United States Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice has met the Tongan Prime Minister Dr Fred Sevele in Washington, to discuss relations between the two countries.

The Pacific News Service says that during their meeting, Secretary Rice emphasised the value the US places on its long-standing relations with Tonga.

She also thanked Dr Sevele for Tonga's support in Iraq and the positive role Tonga's troops are playing.

The two also discussed Fiji, with Dr Sevele, as chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum, confirming that he still expects Fiji to hold elections by next March, as promised by Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama.

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