The chief of the New Zealand Defence Force is in Fiji for defence and security meetings with his Fijian counterpart Viliame Naupoto.
Villagers help unload. It is the first aid drop to this Taveuni village. Photo: RNZI Sally Round
The chief of the New Zealand Defence Force is in Fiji for defence and security meetings with his Fijian counterpart Viliame Naupoto.
Lieutenant General Tim Keating says it's an opportunity to hear first hand about Fiji's defence priorities and to discuss opportunities for co-operation.
New Zealand Defence Force troops, ships and helicopters helped Fiji in its cyclone recovery efforts after Cyclone Winston hit in February.
Lieutenant General Keating says he is interested to hear how Fiji's rebuild has progressed since then.
His visit follows a trip to Suva by the New Zealand Prime Minister John Key earlier this month.
Mr Key had meetings with the Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and his cabinet.
Wellington and Suva have been gradually restoring links after relations broke down folowing the 2006 coup.
New Zealand's defence force chief will also call on Fiji's Minister of Defence, Timoci Natuva and he will lay a wreath at the Suva Military Cemetery cenotaph where servicemen involved in the Pacific War are buried.