While in Tahiti, Paparo met with Rear Adm. Geoffroy d’Andigné, commander of French Armed Forces in French Polynesia (FAPF)/Commander of French Pacific Command (ALPACI), to discuss strengthening the bilateral defense relationship and discuss the importance of maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order in the region.

The leaders also discussed enhancing interoperability between our two navies and explored future opportunities to work together throughout the region. The two navies operate and exercise together globally, and recently completed MARARA and RIMPAC exercises in the Indo-Pacific.

The visit to French Polynesia underscored the United States’ commitment to strengthening alliances and partnerships for an enduring free and open Indo-Pacific.