Ads by Google Ads by Google

Discussions with Samoa’s new consul general outline areas of cooperation

Fata Brian Kaio
Joyetter@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Two Samoa Talks is back on the agenda of both American Samoa and Samoa.

This was outlined in a statement issued by the Samoa Government following a meeting between Samoa’s newly appointed Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio, Governor, Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Lt. Governor, Talauega Eleasalo Ale at the Governor’s Office — marking the commencement of the consul’s posting.

Governor Lemanu opened with welcoming remarks and reiterated the long-standing ancestral ties between the two Samoas.

Discussions focused on the resumption of the Two Samoa Talks in an attempt to increase the level of cooperation in development areas namely agriculture, labor mobility, trade and services among other issues.

The COVID response and cooperation from both sides as restrictions ease and borders open was an important area visited during the dialogue.

The new Consulate Office and Residence projects the commitment by the Government of Samoa towards its representation and the importance of the relationship between the Samoas was also covered in the meeting.

Fata acknowledged the support of the Governor’s and Lt. Governor’s Offices with entry and travel of Samoan citizens to the territory for work.”

Fata replaces Fonoti Manogiamanu Etuale Ioane who had served in the post for 3 years.

As reported earlier by Samoa News the Samoa Government is moving forward with plans to utilize its land in Tafuna to construct a residence and chancellery.

This was confirmed by the new Consul General Fata in an interview with Samoa News.

“At the moment we have completed the planning and tentative drawings and constructions should be underway by the end of the year,” he said.

“It’s a symbol of close ties and our commitment to the relationship with American Samoa by having a physical presence and not just on paper; with the building of a chancellery and official residency.”

He added upon completion, the services currently provided at the Samoa office, located across from the port, will relocate to Tafuna.

The parcel in question is part of the land exchange between the two Samoas that was initiated about 10 years ago — during the Togiola Administration — through a memorandum of understanding for use of the lands; and the language of the MOU was revamped in 2014 during the Lolo Administration.

American Samoa’s land in Apia is located at Vailima.