Australian Governor-General Thanks the People of Samoa

Apia, Samoa – 5 June 2026 – The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, has expressed her gratitude to the people of Samoa for their gracious hospitality during her recent visit.

“Australia and Samoa have shared 55-years of friendship – of being family. I am humbled by the generosity, and grateful for the warmth shown by the Samoan people to Mr Beckett and me during our recent visit”, said the Governor-General.

While in Samoa, the Governor-General and Mr Beckett were honoured to be guests of His Highness Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, Ao o le Malo Tuto’atasi o Samoa and Her Highness Masiofo Faʻamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano at the Samoa Christian Congregational Church in Matautu, Falelatai. After the church service, Their Excellencies met members of the community.

The Australian Governor General and Mr Beckett were guests of His Highness the Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II and Her Highness Masiofo Faʻamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiʻifano at the Samoa Christian Congregational Church in Matautu, Falelatai.

Their Excellencies were also honoured guests at Samoa’s 64^th Independence Day celebrations, including attending the flag raising and march, and opening Australian Government supported Samoa Parliamentary Precinct buildings, alongside Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

Opening Australian Government supported Samoa Parliamentary Precinct buildings, alongside Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

A personal highlight of the trip for Their Excellencies was meeting the civil society organisations, hearing directly from those assisting the most vulnerable in communities across Samoa.

Their Excellencies met inspiring individuals driving practical solutions towards gender equality, disability inclusion, climate resilience, and social protection. Their Excellencies were also moved by the words of graduates during a presentation of certificates for completion of the Pacific Women’s Professional Development Program.

“These exceptional women have shown leadership, kindness and courage to elevate their knowledge to protect Samoa’s borders, communities and way of life”, said the Governor-General.

“I am pleased to hear that this security sisterhood will last a lifetime. It takes a network to defeat a network of criminals, and together we are stronger.”

Her Excellency and Mr Simeon Beckett SC visited Samoa during the 64^th Samoa Independence Day celebrations.