Samoa has held a series of bilateral meetings with key international partners on the sidelines of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with discussions focused on development priorities, regional cooperation and the Pacific’s long term strategic interests.
Deputy Prime Minister and Head of Delegation, Hon. Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo, led Samoa’s engagements with representatives from New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and China.
According to an official release from the Government of Samoa, the meetings provided an opportunity for Samoa and its partners to reaffirm longstanding relationships while discussing areas of mutual interest and future cooperation.
The Government said the talks highlighted continued international support for Samoa’s national development priorities as well as wider regional aspirations under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.
The strategy, endorsed by Pacific Islands Forum members, provides the long term framework for regional cooperation across areas including economic development, climate resilience, peace and security, environmental protection and the wellbeing of Pacific communities.
Samoa said its participation in the bilateral discussions reflected the country’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships beyond the Pacific while ensuring that national priorities remain aligned with wider regional objectives.
The Government also emphasised the importance of unity, peace, security and resilience as Pacific nations respond to increasingly complex economic, environmental and geopolitical challenges.
“Samoa remains firmly committed to advancing its national priorities while working alongside regional and international partners to strengthen unity, peace, security, resilience, and the sustainable implementation of Pacific led development initiatives,” the Government statement said.
The engagements formed part of Samoa’s programme at PIFLM55, where Pacific leaders and partner countries are discussing issues affecting the region and the future direction of Pacific cooperation.
The official release was issued by the Press and Communication Division of Samoa’s Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet on 1 September 2026.
