Tonga-N.Z. agreement

Press, 27 November 1980, Page 2

Tonga-N.Z. agreement

PA ' ■ : Wellington The Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr Taiboys) and the Tongan Minister ~ of Civil Aviation (Dr Langi Kavaliku) signed yesterday an air services agreement between New Zealand and Tonga. Mr Talbpys described the occasion as a historic one, on two counts. From the civil aviation point of view Vew Zealand had forged close ties with South Pacific countries through the development of air services and technical assistance.

This would, however, be the first time a New Zealand airline would have the opoortunity to provide regular links with Tonga. “More generally,” said Mr Taiboys, “it is a significant occasion because although New Zealand and Tonga have co-operated in many fields, this is the first time New Zealand and Tonga have entered into a formal bilateral agreement on any matter.” Both sides welcomed the exchange which would nermit the New Zealand airline to fly on routes between New Zealand. Tonga, and beyond to Western Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands. A Tongan airline would enjoy reciprocal rights to fly to Auckland and to Rarotonga via Niue.