Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa has praised the framework of the Atoa o Samoa summit, which has enabled Samoa to establish dialogue with American Samoa.

In her speech at the follow-up summit in Pago Pago last week, the Prime Minister said the framework governing the discussions between Samoa and its neighbouring U.S. territory is a unique partnership model, which can benefit both peoples.

"The Atoa o Samoa framework can be a unique partnership model for the benefit of our peoples and our extensive diasporas globally," the Prime Minister said. "We must ensure that it works well and have sustained benefits for all – if changes are deemed necessary let's not turn away from them."

Fiamē said the two neighbours are living in difficult times "fraught with challenges", but she said has impacted their way of life as well as their well-being and security.

Our situation as small islands states is made worse by our vulnerabilities. The Russia-Ukraine war continues to preoccupy the major powers; the world’s attention continues to shift away from small island states like our two countries that are also sinking under the weight of rising fuel and food prices as a result of such aggression.

"Our geographical isolation no longer protects us from the impacts of climate change and future pandemics but we should never stop advocating for the world to be held responsible for promises not kept thus thwarting our rights to peace security and prosperity."

Making reference to Samoa's historic hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, the Prime Minister said despite the small size of the two neighbours, the convening of the international summits at home confirms the island nation's commitment to "stand up and be counted".

"Samoa’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting next year, the signing of the SAMOA Agreement with the leaders of the European Union and the African Caribbean Pacific Group, as well as chairing the Alliance of Small Islands States within the United Nations over the next 2 years reflect our commitment to stand up and be counted."

With Samoa and the neighbouring U.S. territory kicking off with the Atoa o Samoa summit last year, Fiamē said they should all reflect on the journey of their dialogue, and look at how it has reflected partnership and unity of family.

"At this juncture, let us reflect on the beginnings of our journey and what we have achieved. At the 27-28 July inaugural meeting here in American Samoa we renamed the formerly known ‘Two Samoa Talks’ to ‘Atoa o Samoa’ by our respective new governments. 

"The spirit of genuine partnerships; the unity of family, and the willingness to share resonated in the concept ‘ua atoa Samoa’."