Atoa O Samoa talks underway today

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Independent Samoa Government is hosting the Atoa o Samoa fourth bi-annual talks this week Wednesday and Thursday — October 11 - 12, 2023 (Samoa time).  The American Samoa contingent left for the Talks last week Friday.

The program includes a Welcoming Cocktail Reception on Tuesday evening (yesterday, Samoa Time), at the Taumeasina Island Resort, following the ground breaking ceremony for the American Samoa Government Office site at Taumeasina.

A press statement from the Governor's Office stated that the land at Taumeasina Moataa "is a result of a land swap agreement made during a previous Atoa o Samoa meeting, highlighting the commitment to fostering stronger ties.

“American Samoa's pioneering establishment of an office in Samoa is a testament to the enduring partnership” between the two governments.

Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga said, "The Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting and the groundbreaking ceremony represent a pivotal moment in our shared history.

“We are committed to deepening our cooperation with the Independent State of Samoa and achieving common goals.

He noted that ASG is anticipating that the Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting will mark “a historic moment in the ongoing collaboration between American Samoa and the Independent State of Samoa.”

On the table for discussion is “the progress made towards the agreed outcomes in mutual areas of interest, and addressing any issues that may have come about.”

These areas of discussion include Immigration, Border Security, Labor Mobility, Trade, Finance and Audits, Climate Change & Environment, Law Enforcement, Health, Tourism and Hospitality, and Gender Equality.

Wednesday’s meeting will take place in Apia at the Taumeasina Island Resort to be followed by a continuation of discussions on the island of Savai’i, on Thursday, Oct. 12.

Governor Lemanu pointed to the fourth bi-annual meeting and the groundbreaking ceremony being pivotal moments “in our shared history”, as ASG is “committed to deepening our cooperation with the Independent State of Samoa and achieving common goals in areas of mutual interest.”

Attending the meeting from American Samoa are leaders from American Samoa's Legislature and select Cabinet members.

  Further details regarding the ASG Office construction as they become available.