Samoa & Australia formalize a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, SAMOA – 25 February 2026: Samoa and Australia last night formalized a Cyber Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) despite being partners on cyber security matters for many years.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Penny Wong signed on behalf of the two countries at a ceremony at the Taumeasina Island Resort last night.

The MOU provides a framework and the principles for strengthening cooperation on cyber affairs, critical technologies and critical infrastructure between the Samoa and Australian Government.

The two leaders said that the MOU is a capacity development for Samoa to manage cyber crime, to conduct prevention, investigations and provide response.

The Prime Minister said that the MOU targets a long-term cooperation with Australia’s assistance of $2 million to support Samoa’s cyber priorities.

“The partnership will strengthen partnership on incident preparedness, response secure digital systems and to support the Government framework aligned to international standards through a cyber development system program,” he said.

More significant to the MOU is the opportunity given to enhance online safety, awareness activities and policy development.

Other areas covered in the MOU include:

• Protection of critical infrastructure from digital threats owned and operated by public and private sectors, undersea cables telecommunication.
• Support safe adoption of emerging technology.
• Support Samoa’s engagement in regional and international forums and
• Information sharing on incidents of cyber threats and crime.

Foreign Minister Wong noted the fundamental value of the MOU documents to Samoa and Australia’s shared efforts and commitment to the well-being of their communities.

“It expresses the humility and sincerity of our relationship and our commitment to you and partners in the region,” she said.

Concern over transnational crimes
Transnational crimes are becoming a real concern in the region and Samoa has joined other Pacific islands in formalising her support through 2 other MOU’s signed by the Prime Minister.

The two MOUs are the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG) and Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI).

Wong said the signing of the two MOUs reaffirm Samoa’s commitment to a Pacific led effort for peace and security.

She noted Laauli’s concerns over transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and countries need to work together to ensure a safe region.

The PPSG led by the Pacific with assistance from Australia is designed to enhance regional security by responding to requests and Ms. Wong referenced the support rendered by other Pacific Islands police forces to assist Samoa during the hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) in 2024.

The Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) which was launched in 2024, focuses on capacity building and fostering cooperation in the region.

Ms. Wong said the initiative is about strengthening formats for strong training, supporting centres and developing multinational regional responses to be available for Pacific countries when needed.