Apia, SAMOA — Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa has praised the framework of the Atoa o Samoa summit, which has enabled Samoa to establish dialogue with American Samoa.

In her speech at the follow-up summit in Pago Pago last week, the Prime Minister said the framework governing the discussions between Samoa and its neighbouring U.S. territory is a unique partnership model, which can benefit both peoples.

"The Atoa o Samoa framework can be a unique partnership model for the benefit of our peoples and our extensive diasporas globally," the Prime Minister said. "We must ensure that it works well and have sustained benefits for all – if changes are deemed necessary let's not turn away from them."

Fiame said the two neighbors are living in difficult times "fraught with challenges", but she said has impacted their way of life as well as their well-being and security.

With Samoa and the neighboring U.S. territory kicking off with the Atoa o Samoa summit last year, Fiame said they should all reflect on the journey of their dialogue, and look at how it has reflected partnership and unity of family.

"At this juncture, let us reflect on the beginnings of our journey and what we have achieved. At the 27-28 July inaugural meeting here in American Samoa we renamed the formerly known ‘Two Samoa Talks’ to ‘Atoa o Samoa’ by our respective new governments. 

"The spirit of genuine partnerships; the unity of family, and the willingness to share resonated in the concept ‘ua atoa Samoa’."

Read more in Samoa Observer