By Asia Media Fiji Sun News
LuiThe Tongan Navy patrol boat has arrived in Fiji waters ahead of Queen
Nanasipau驶u Tuku驶aho鈥檚 visit to Tubou, Lakeba.
The Tongan Queen will be here for the traditional installation of Ratu Tevita Kapaiwai Lutunauga Uluilakeba Mara as Tui Lau.
The vessel, Voea Ngahau Siliva, berthed at the Republic of Fiji Navy鈥檚 Stanley Brown Base in Suva on Wednesday morning, following proper diplomatic clearance procedures facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Queen Nanasipau鈥檜 and her husband King Tupou VI, are scheduled to make a State visit to Fiji from July 8 to 12.
Fiji Navy Commander Commodore Timoci Natuva, confirmed that the Fiji Navy supported the Tongan naval presence through vessel clearance and berthing arrangements.
鈥淎s is standard protocol, appropriate diplomatic clearance was granted, and the Navy is providing support such as berthing space,鈥 Commander Natuva said.
Currently, only one Tongan naval vessel is expected for the visit, and no further vessels have been confirmed at this stage.
While no formal joint naval engagements are scheduled between the two Pacific neighbours, the visiting Tongan crew presented their sevusevu to members of the Fiji Navy upon arrival.
鈥淭his is part of the usual courtesy extended between Pacific naval forces. We鈥檝e done this with other navies as well when they visit our waters,鈥 Commander Natuva said.
鈥淚n terms of broader security and logistics, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) is providing support through its engineers already deployed to Lakeba. Should there be further operational needs, the Fiji Navy
stands ready to assist upon directive from the RFMF headquarters.鈥
Commander Natuva added that maritime security during the royal visit will primarily fall under the coordination of the iTaukei Affairs Board and the
Fiji Police Force, depending on the requirements on the island.
鈥淎ll visiting foreign naval vessels entering Fiji鈥檚 Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) must obtain diplomatic clearance. This is coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and shared with all relevant border agencies,鈥 he said.
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