Australia and Samoa discuss the Bilateral Partnership Arrangement

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 12 APRIL 2023: Australia’s visiting Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy will discuss with the Samoan government this week the progress of the Australia-Samoa Bilateral Partnership Arrangement – which was signed earlier this year – through discussions on climate action, regional security, sport and labour mobility.

Pat Conroy whose portfolios also cover Defence Industry, will meet with Samoa’s Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa and senior members of cabinet.

Conroy is also travelling to Vanuatu “to strengthen Australia’s deep and longstanding partnerships in the Pacific,” he said in a statement.

“I look forward to progressing our Australia-Samoa Bilateral Partnership Arrangement – which was signed earlier this year – through discussions on climate action, regional security, sport and labour mobility.

“I will have a valuable opportunity to listen to regional perspectives on environmentally sustainable development through a visit to the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP).”

In Apia, he will and the Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o will discuss the “Tautai Governance for Economic Growth Program” and the delivery of Australia’s budget support for Samoa.

“The Australian Government is listening to our partners in the Pacific to ensure initiatives and resources respond to the region’s diverse needs.

“We are deeply committed to working closely with all members of the Pacific family towards our shared goal of a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific region now and into the future,” said Conroy.