Government

Two Samoas complete Border Security Talks in Apia

Published

3 months ago

February 5, 2026

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt with delegates from two Samoas after he opened the Border Security Talks in Apia yesterday.

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 5 February 2026 – High level officials have just completed two days of talks in Apia on border security between Samoa and American Samoa.

The American Samoa delegation was led by the Attorney General, Gwen Tauiliili Langkilde and the Director of Homeland Security Glen Lefiti and included Heads of Police and Immigration in the territory.

Samoas delegation included the CEO of the Ministry of the Prime Minister, CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Immigration and Customs.

The American Samoa delegation led by the Director of Homeland Security, Glen Lefiti and the Attorney General, Gwen Tauiliili Langkilde.

The talks followed up the discussions between the Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and American Samoa’s Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula last month and leading up to the Atoa o Samoa Talks in Apia in May 2026.

In opening the Collaborative Consultations yesterday, Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said that what is good for Tutuila is also good for Samoa.

His statement captured the essence of the consultations emphasizing the shared goals and mutual benefits for both countries that despite two different political systems, have a shared culture, language, history and family ties.

The consultation, which aims to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, ensure border security against illegal drugs and trafficking, ease travel and immigration requirements, marks the continuing partnership between the two governments.

“I urged all parties to focus on the future, putting past mistakes behind them and work together to build a prosperous future for both Samoa and American Samoa,” the Prime Minister said.

Follow up discussions were held with Samoa’s Attorney General, Police, Immigration, and other key ministries in the effort to implement the issues being discussed especially around border security against illegal drugs, easing inter-Samoa travel and trade.