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2Samoa Talks open with economy and social policies heading the agenda

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga
“Atoa o Samoa”
Joyetter@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Fostering and developing economic and social policies is at the forefront of the 2Samoa Talks in the territory.

An ava ceremony was held to officially welcome and open the two-day inter Samoa talks between Samoa and American Samoa.

Called the “Atoa o Samoa” this is the first time since 2017 that both Governments have officially met, under new leadership on both ends.

Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga during his opening remarks said he zeroed in on the title of their meeting Atoa o Samoa — saying it is a fitting reference given that Samoa and America are a family.

In his written speech outlined in the executive meeting program he said the Global COVID-19 pandemic had a profound and lasting impact on the world.

“Both our countries were not spared the negative economic and social hardships.

“We faced similar challenges, our remote locations, global and climate change, limited access to healthcare, restricted border access and the disruption to our economies.”

Despite all these challenges, the Independent State of Samoa and American Samoa demonstrated remarkable resiliency.

“We implemented similar policies to keep the virus from reaching our shores far longer than most of the developed world. These polices required sacrifice for the greater health and safety of our people.”

Lemanu said as the world continues to reopen and we adjust to the new realities of our post-COVID-19 world, we too, must reengage in our cooperative work prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We must continue to foster and develop economic and social policies that are mutually beneficial and promotes our common priorities.”

Adding that the two Governments must explore and work collaboratively in areas where there are common ground and allows for the development of both economies to meet the challenges of the present and future.

“Developing and improving our immigration system and policies, collaborating to mitigate the negative climate change effects and improve resiliency, sustainable food security, advancing our telecommunication infrastructure and addressing difficult social issues are just a few areas where we can come together for the common good.

“Meeting these challenges together, in the spirit of our shared benefit, will allow both countries to advance forward far faster than going alone.

‘We are blessed to have this opportunity to strengthen and renew our bonds as neighbors that share a unique history and heritage.

‘We have the capacity and capability to chart a path forward for both our countries mutual benefit. The Atoa O Samoa is an excellent platform to engage in open and honest dialogue to develop lasting policies for our collective wellbeing.”

Samoa Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa drinking the ava cup during yesterday morning’s traditional welcoming ava ceremony at Su’igaula o le Atuvasa in Utulei before commencing the 2Samoa Talks later in the morning at the ASCC Multipurpose Center. [photo: AF]

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa acknowledged the need to revive the talks and pointed to unforeseen circumstances that have halted these meetings that were held regularly in the past.

“And the opportunity today and the course of these meetings will allow us to revisit the arrangements that will suit both sides.”

The Prime Minister said they will have the opportunity to review the realities faced by the two Samoas in meeting the obligations that have previously been assigned and afforded to both islands.

“What is most important is the ability to facilitate communications between our two Governments in a manner suited, while adhering to the accepted standards of this practice,” said Fiame.

Samoa’s Prime Minister noted that she looks forward to the meeting with Governor Lemanu and the American Samoa delegation to savor the relations between the two countries and validate the principles to pave the way to the decisions to hold the 2Samoa Talks.