The U.S. territory of American Samoa has joined various countries and territories to send congratulatory messages sent to Samoa's first female Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga told his Cabinet on Tuesday that he was able to speak with Fiame earlier that morning, reports Talanei News and said he extended his congratulations and best wishes of the government and the people of American Samoa as she takes on her new role.

Lemanu also acknowledged the former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi and his work as a new administration takes helm of the nation.

The Governor said in return Fiame expressed her appreciation and good wishes and that contact in regards to the usual issues between the two nations will continue once they settle in.

This comes after the U.S. congratulated Fiame on her historic election win as the nation's first female Prime Minister. 

The official “Election of Fiame Naomi Mata’afa as Prime Minister of Samoa” statement from the U.S. Department of State was issued on Tuesday, a day after former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi conceded.

The brief statement, composed of three sentences,was signed by the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, Ned Price.

“The United States congratulates Fiame Naomi Mata’afa on her historic victory to become Samoa’s first female prime minister,” Mr. Price said.

“We look forward to working with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and Samoa’s new government.  The United States thanks former Prime Minister for his long standing friendship.”

Last Friday a Court of Appeal ruling that validated the 24 May 2021 swearing-in of Fiame's Fa’atuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (F.A.S.T.) Members cleared the way for the installation of the F.A.S.T. Government. 

Congratulatory messages for the country’s new leader began on Friday night after the late afternoon delivery of the Appellate Court’s ruling.

New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern was the first to congratulate Fiame, followed by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Stephen Brown and Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Henry Puna.

Prime Minister of Fiji Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has also extended congratulations to Samoa's new P.M.

The Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China published a note of congratulations to Fiame online after former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi finally conceded defeat on Monday afternoon.

The U.N. Secretary-General congratulated Fiame on becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Samoa on Tuesday afternoon.