The Chief of the New Zealand Army Major General (Maj Gen) Peter Kelly who arrived in the country yesterday visited the Fiji Military Headquarters at Berkley Crescent today on the 19th of May 2017. This was part of a courtesy call to the Commander RFMF Rear-Admiral Naupoto and his senior officers.
The visit started with a Quarter Guard ceremony before a one-on-one meeting between the Chief’s of the two Military Forces Maj Gen Kelly and Rear-Admiral Naupoto. Afterwards, Maj Gen Kelly was then introduced to RFMF Chief of Staff (COS) Colonel Kalouniwai and his senior officers.
In his statement today Maj Gen Kelly commended the efforts of the RFMF for being able to deploy its soldiers in various peacekeeping missions regardless of its size. He also acknowledged the training that was conducted at the RFMF peacekeeping school in Nadi.
“If you look at the size of Fiji and soldiers who are deployed in missions its tremendous…I take my hat off to your ability in providing good caliber men and women which we got to see some yesterday when we were at Blackrock,” Maj Gen Kelly stated.
In addition, Maj Gen Kelly also acknowledged the Fiji Navy Squadron for hosting the NZ Navy on board the HMNZS Hawea who are here in the country to assist the Fiji Navy patrol its exclusive economic zone.
However, discussions continued and were based mostly on training between the two forces.
