Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Starts 2-Day Official Visit

Apia, SAMOA – 16 March 2026 – New Zealand’s Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon is calling on the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi 11 this morning as his first official engagement since arriving last night for a two-day official visit to Samoa.

Prime Minister Luxon and his delegation arrived on the Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft and was welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Toelupe Maoiautele Poumulinuku Onesemo and the Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi, and Government officials at the Faleolo International Airport.

After his courtesy call on Samoa’s Head of State, Prime Minister Luxon will inspect the Guard of Honour during the Flag Raising Ceremony infront of the Government Building then will be welcomed in an Ava Ceremony and will be bestowed a chiefly title by the village of Apia that hosted New Zealand during CHOGM in 2024.

Luxon will then meet and hold bilateral talks with Samoa’s Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and Cabinet, and sign two Memoranda of Arrangement for Customs Cooperation and the Police Partnership Arrangement on Reciprocal Exchange of Information.

The Memoranda will result in stronger border and national security, and enhance law enforcement capability of Customs and Police Services, whilst promoting stronger regional cooperation with New Zealand.

In the afternoon, Prime Minister Luxon will open the Savalalo Flea Market which is funded by the New Zealand Government then visit the Apia Port, Matautu-tai.

In the evening, Samoa’s Prime Minister will host the visiting Prime Minister and his delegation at a state dinner at the Taumeasina Resort.

Both leaders will join in a rugby league match on Tuesday morning between the visiting Tipene-St Stephens College and Wesley College at Faleula for the Prime Ministers Cup before Luxon and delegation depart for Tonga at 1200 midday.

Central to the bilateral talks will be the 64-year-old Treaty of Friendship between Samoa and New Zealand as well as immigration, business and trade and collaboration on law enforcement capacity, information sharing and border security against illicit drugs.