Samoa is set to host the next round of the Atoa Samoa talks in 2026, with a tentative date scheduled for early March. 

The upcoming inter-government meeting will be the first between the two governments since American Samoa Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula and Samoa’s Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt took office.

This was decided when the two leaders met on Monday morning at Tradewinds Hotel in Tafuna for informal discussions and courtesy calls. 

Their meeting followed a four-day visit to American Samoa, where the Prime Minister and the Head of State Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II were honoured guests at the dedication of the new Legislative Building Complex.

During the meeting, Governor Pulaali’i and Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa tasked their officials with finalising the agenda for the 2026 Atoa Samoa talks. Governor Pulaali’i also extended his well wishes to the Prime Minister, his wife, Tupea Heather Schmidt, and the Government of Samoa, expressing hopes for a productive end to the year and a safe and joyful holiday season.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean and House Speaker Savali Talavou Ale led the Legislature’s delegation as they bid farewell to the Prime Minister and his delegation, who returned home on Monday afternoon.