Samoa and France Explore New Areas of Cooperation

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 17 August 2026 – Samoa and France are looking at new areas of cooperation following talks between Prime Minister, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and France’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan.

Discussions covered education, maritime issues, security, illegal drugs and other areas of mutual interest.

On education, the leaders looked at a proposal on an exchange programme between the National University of Samoa and universities in French territories.

Of concern was security in the Pacific and the rapid increase of illegal drugs.

Ambassador Roger-Lacan referred to a recent operation by the French Navy that stopped drug shipments and destroyed confiscated cocaine, an operation the Prime Minister commended.

The meeting also explored opportunities for Samoan filmmakers to have their work shown at an annual film festival in Papeete, French Polynesia.

Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa supported the idea, saying Samoa has many stories that deserve to be seen and heard around the world.

He referred to Moana as an example, noting the Samoan heritage of its main cast and the use of the Samoan language in some of its music.

Air connectivity was another key issue.

Ambassador Roger-Lacan raised the possibility of direct routes between Pacific islands, including a potential Air Tahiti service linking Wallis, Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.

The discussions are at an early stage and Samoa’s Prime Minister expressed his willingness to further explore the idea.