ASG awaits updates from Samoa on the recent Atoa o Samoa executive meeting

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — “The American Samoa Government is still awaiting the feedback on the 'Outcomes' from the Government of Samoa” following the Fourth Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting, held on October 11, 2023, in Apia, Samoa, according to the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Loa Tuimavave Tauapa’i Laupola.

“Upon receiving the updates from the Government of Samoa, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga will conduct a review for final approval for the publication of the 'Outcomes' for the fourth Atoa O Samoa Meeting,” Loa explained in the ‘Atoa o Samoa Outcome Statement Update’ to the local media in Pago Pago on Tuesday night.

Loa pointed out that the Executive Meeting acknowledged ongoing joint efforts in trade, labor mobility, immigration, and border security. He explained that the meeting addressed the significance of enhancing telecommunications, environmental conservation, and sustainable fisheries management.

Furthermore, the meeting discussed new measures and requirements for visitor travel permits for both governments. (See below on ‘background’ for American Samoa’s new travel permit for Samoa citizens.)

According to the Chief of Staff, the two governments highlighted the importance of strengthening relationships in education, sports, and culture, as well as transportation and infrastructure.

“Recognized achievements included the successful completion of various training programs, the hosting of the April trade show, and collaborative efforts to enhance disaster resilience,” he said.

On the final day of the Atoa o Samoa, he said visits to different sectors in island of Savai'i “demonstrated Samoa's dedication to self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on imports, emphasizing strategies for community-led growth.”

“The site visits enabled the American Samoa delegation to explore potential avenues for collaborative assistance between the two governments,” said Loa.

He also says that the next Atoa O Samoa meeting will be hosted by American Samoa, with an ongoing commitment to uphold the established Memorandum of Understanding.

No information was available yet at to when American Samoa will host the next meeting but it’s expected to be some time next year.

Samoa Observer reported last week that the leaders of the two governments had agreed to an April meeting held in the territory next year.

BACKGROUND

On the issue of travel permits, a notice posted as of Tuesday morning on the Department of Legal Affairs website, states that, the Entry Permit Waiver Program (PW7) - which is the “7 Days Entry Permit Waiver Program for Samoa citizens” entering the territory, will become effective Oct. 19, 2023 American Samoa time.  (See yesterday’s Samoa News edition for details.)

Samoa News points out that the issue of concern to American Samoa and raised many times by travelers including lawmakers, is the Samoa government’s requirement for U.S nationals from American Samoa to obtain an entry permit for the Independent state.

American Samoa’s entry permit program is for all foreigners who are not U.S citizens and nationals.