Tonga-US military relations remain strong amidst aid cuts

© Tevita Motulalo

THE Commander of Tonga Defence Services, Brigadier-General Tau’aika ‘Uta’atu says Tonga-US Defence relations are hardly affected given the US State Department’s proposed cuts to security aid to Tonga.

The US State Dept has proposed a budget that is actually increased by 1%, but involves a lot of reshuffling to priority areas.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy, greets Tongan Honor Guard soldiers during a visit to the kingdom on Nov. 9, 2010.

Part of the reforms in that budget is scrapping direct military assistance to Tonga and 4 other small countries.

“Its a concern, even though I do think there must be good reasons,” said the Brigadier in an interview with Tonga Chronicle.

“What is important to note is, although it has been suggested by the State Department, it is still a budget proposal and has yet to reach Congress. It still has a long way to go,” stressed Brig-Gen. ‘Uta‘atu.

“The cuts really does not affect Tonga-US relations and common commitments,” he said.