For the first time the Tongan Navy took part in the Fiji Day Celebrations.

The 25 Naval Officers from Tonga came to attend the funeral of late Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi on Friday when they heard about Fiji Day Celebration.

Multiracial celebration

Tongan Navy Lieutenant Ametisi Fonokaiafi said: “We are very excited to be part of Fiji’s 46th Independence Day celebrations.

“This is the first time for us to be a part of this celebration.

“The celebration at the Albert Park is really wonderful. Fiji is a multiracial country and it’s good to see people forgetting their background and united to celebrate Fiji Day,” he said.

Lieutenant Fonokaiafi said Fiji and Tonga had a very good relationship.

“We came here to attend the funeral of late Ratu Joni Madraiwiwi but, it was in our destiny to be part of this celebrations,” Lieutenant Fonokaiafi said.

“I hope that in future we are part of the Fiji Day celebrations.

“The celebrations were really good and it was our pleasure to be part of the celebrations because we were here for something else but we came to the celebrations.”

The Navy Team will return to Tonga on Wednesday.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

Feedback: shahan.mala@fijisun.com.fj