Minister for Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo, is in London this week to lead discussions at the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting (CFAMM). 

She is replacing Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmoidt, who looks after the foreign affairs portfolio. Accompanying her is Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chief Executive Officer Peseta Noumea Simi.

The gathering, the first held in an executive retreat format, brings together foreign affairs ministers from the Commonwealth’s 56 nations.

As Chair in Office, Samoa is guiding discussions on key issues including economic cooperation, democratic governance, climate change, and support for small and vulnerable states. 

Ministers are also reviewing reforms ahead of the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda.

Mulipola also held a meeting with Professor Colin Riordan, Secretary General of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), and Dr Beate Knight, Head of Programmes, to discuss updates on The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme. The first 50 “King’s Fellows,” including 21 PhD candidates and 30 mid-career fellows from small island states, have now started the programme.

The Samoan government said it remains committed to supporting the fellowship and increasing participation among Samoans.

CFAMM marks the start of Commonwealth Day activities and offers members a chance to discuss how the Commonwealth can remain strong and united in a rapidly changing world.