The Second Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting kicks off this morning

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 13 OCTOBER 2022: The second Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting between the American Samoa and Samoan government leaders officially kicks off this morning at the Taumeasina Island Resort.

Previously known as the Two Samoa Talks, this is a follow up to the initial Atoa o Samoa Meeting in American Samoa in July this year.

Information from the Government Press Secretariat last night said the meeting proper will follow a Guard of Honour on the Front Lawn of the Government Building this morning, to be followed by an Opening Prayer by His Grace, Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga and a hymn by the Police Band.

Then there will be Opening Remarks by the Co-Chairs, Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Governor of American Samoa and Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa.

The formalities will close with traditional presentations – Fa’aaloaloga.

Then the meeting will proceed at the Taumeasina Resort where the two countries Heads of Governments, Ministers and Officials will discuss issues of mutual importance to both countries and to decide on a follow up process to focus on addressing these priorities.

The meeting proper will begin with discussions on the July meeting minutes, followed by presentations on the updates of work that has been done since then.

Yesterday, Wednesday, 12 October the American Samoa delegation made site visits to their counterpart ministries to follow up discussions that began in Pago Pago in July.

Site visit for the tourism sector.

The Leaders of both countries had tasked their officials to look at tangible outcomes from these Talks, and encouraged visits to the sites and operations while in Samoa.

The Second Atoa O Samoa meeting is an opportunity to discuss and focus on areas of mutual development cooperation between the two countries; on issues relating to Health, Tourism, Economy, Education, Information and Communications Technology, Immigration and Agriculture, Tourism and others.

Site visit and follow up with the health sector.

On Friday the last day, there will be bilateral discussions between Samoa’s line ministries and counterpart agencies on the next steps and any follow up work needing attention. It is expected that each group will report back to the plenary on outcomes of their discussions.

The Co-Chairs, Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga and Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa will close the proceedings at 3.00pm to be followed by a Press Conference.

The meeting will conclude with a cocktail reception where Samoa’s private sector will be invited to discuss issues of interest with the delegations.