Friday, January 21, 2011

Defence key to swaying Chinese policy, says new Ambassador


© Tevita Motulalo


New Tongan ambassador to China, Siamelie Latu.
FORMER Colonel at the Tonga Defence Services Siamelie Latu has departed for China to become Tonga’s Ambassador in Beijing.
He replaces Mahe Tupouniua, who returns to Tonga as Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking to Tonga Chronicle just before departing on Wednesday morning, Latu was optimistic his experience and background will help him in his job.
“I have met a lot of high-ranking commanders and generals from the PLA while working at Tonga Defence and I hope those relationships will further cooperation,” said Latu.
“And it will. In China, if there is any policy lobbied for approval the most effective channel is their Defence. Once the Defence decides it goes, it does.”
Latu has served 33 years in the military, and is himself a graduate of the People’s Liberation Army’s National Defence University in Beijing.
He recently oversaw Tonga Defences’ Foreign Operations and Logistical (intelligence) Unit.
While military engagement between the two countries is likely to continue, Latu said he plans to dedicate a lot of time into facilitating business and investment between sectors of the two countries, “especially tourism”.
He said he looks forward to greater cooperation between China and Tonga.
Reshuffling
Latu’s predecessor Mahe Tupouniua returns to be Secretary of Foreign Affairs, replacing Va‘inga Tone who has been appointed the Lord Privy Seal.
The former Lord Privy Seal, Ms. Sela Moengangongo has been appointed the Tonga Consul General in San Francisco.
- By Tevita Motulalo

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