New Zealand defense chief discussing military cooperation with Fiji

New Zealand's top military commander is visiting Fiji to see how the two countries' militaries can work together in the Pacific.

The Chief of Defense Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating, who is in Fiji Thursday and Friday, would hold talks with his counterpart, Commander Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto.

"The visit is an opportunity for me to hear first hand what Fiji's defense priorities are and to discuss defense and security cooperation opportunities," Keating said in a statement Thursday.

"I will also be interested to hear how Fiji's recovery and rebuild is progressing following the devastating Tropical Cyclone Winston."

The New Zealand Defense Force was heavily involved in the response to the cyclone in February, sending its biggest peacetime deployment to the Pacific island nation, involving ships, aircraft and more than 500 personnel to help with the response effort.

The cyclone killed at least 42 people, and damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and other buildings.

During his visit, Keating was also scheduled to meet government ministers, including Minister of Defense, National Security and Immigration Timoci Natuva.

Keating is the latest high-ranking New Zealand official to visit the Pacific island nation since it ended eight years of military government in 2014.

Earlier this month John Key became the first New Zealand prime minister to visit Fiji in 10 years and held talks with Fiji Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama.

Key said his visit was part of the steady renewal of political and diplomatic links with Fiji. Endit