His Majesty's Armed Forces Navy is preparing to sail for the Lau Group in Fiji to deliver much needed humanitarian supplies following the destruction of Tropical Cyclone Winston.
The Australian High Commission congratulates Tonga on its commitment to regional solidarity and providing support in a time of need.
The naval vessels, gifted under the Australia-Tonga Defence Cooperation Program, have greatly boosted Tonga's capacity to respond to domestic and regional emergencies. The Defence Cooperation Program and Australian aid program are pleased to be able to support Tonga's initiative by making available material and technical resources.
Improving regional cooperation between Pacific Island Countries has been an objective of the Pacific Island Forum. The response from the Tongan Navy to the destruction in Fiji is an excellent example of Pacific Islands coordinating to respond in a time of crisis.
The Government of Tonga has released 6 tonnes of flour, 2 tonnes of sugar, 4 tonnes of rice and 1,600 litres of bottled water to be sent to Fiji.
Australia will provide the fuel required to transport the much needed supplies to Fiji under the Defence Cooperation Program.