NZDF Hosting Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces
Media Release
24 August 2016
NZDF Hosting Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces Visit
The New Zealand Defence Force is hosting a visit by the Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), Rear Admiral (RADM) Viliame Naupoto over the next few days.
The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Tim Keating, said he was pleased to be hosting the visit of RADM Naupoto and was looking forward to positive engagement with his counterpart.
“There has been a good momentum in the defence relationship of late; this visit builds on that.”
RADM Naupoto’s programme includes meetings with LTGEN Keating and Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter, a welcome ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park, and visits to RNZAF Base Auckland and Devonport Naval Base. RADM Naupoto will lay a wreath at Pukeahu.
“I am pleased to be hosting RADM Naupoto. This is the first visit to New Zealand by a Commander of the RFMF for many years,” LTGEN Keating said.
Defence co-operation was formally resumed between the two military forces in late 2014, following a normalising of relations.
“Earlier this year the NZDF deployed a number of vessels, aircraft and over 500 personnel to assist Fiji after Tropical Cyclone Winston hit the country,” LTGEN Keating said. “And at the end of June I conducted a two-day visit to Fiji.”
RADM Naupoto arrives today and departs for Fiji on Sunday.
ENDS