The government of Samoa’s delegation, led by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, arrived at Pago Pago International Airport. They are in American Samoa to participate in the fifth Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting, was scheduled to take place today and tomorrow at the ASCC Multi-Purpose Center.
Joining Prime Minister Fiame are several cabinet ministers, including Olo Fiti Vaai, Minister of Works, Transport and Infrastructure; La’auli Leuatea Schmidt, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; Leota Laki Lamositele, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Labor; Valasi Tafito Selesele, Minister of Health; and Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, Minister of Women, Community and Social Development.
Also present were several chief executive officers from various departments, including Pulotu Lyndon Chu Ling from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour; Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo from the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet; Peseta Noumea Simi from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and Dr. Joseph Tauati from Agriculture & Fisheries.
Since their last meeting in Samoa in October of the previous year, there have been ongoing exchanges and collaborative projects between the two Samoas. Notable initiatives include the faisua farming project, spearheaded by Samoa’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, which provided baby faisua and training to American Samoa’s Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.
Additionally, American Samoa recently implemented an entry permit waiver program for Samoan citizens, facilitating 7-day visits without the usual requirements for a local sponsor or health and court clearances. Plans are underway in Samoa to build a new warehouse at the dock for smoother trade operations, and in American Samoa, a government office is being constructed at Moataa.
According to a report by Talanei, the media was only allowed to cover the opening of the talks but not the actual discussions between the two sides. As of now, no official outcome statement has been released from the last Atoa o Samoa meeting held in Apia.