Australia’s Minister for Defence, Senator Marise Payne handed over five Australian-gifted Unimog vehicles to His Majesties Armed Forces in Nuku’alofa.
The assistance reflects Australia’s ongoing commitment to support His Majesty’s Armed Forces to further enhance its capability to respond to natural disasters.
Payne’s visit to the Kingdom of Tonga coincides with a period of high engagement with Australia’s Pacific partners through Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 (IPE18).
“I will also promote the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda while in Tonga by facilitating a WPS workshop with Australian Defence Force and His Majesty’s Armed Forces personnel as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018,” she said.
Payne will travel to the Solomon Islands on Thursday.
Photo Twitter/Marise Payne. Caption Australia’s Minister for Defence Marise Payne with Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister Semisi Lafu Kioa Sika and Defence Minister Lord Ma'afu Tukui'aulahi.