Honorable Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga arrives in Apia for Atoa o Samoa.

By: Tosimaeʻa Tupua

Email: tupua@opi.as.gov

Honorable Governor Lemanu P. S Mauga has arrived in Apia on a two-day meeting of the Atoa o Samoa. Governor Lemanu and First Lady Ella Mauga were greeted by the Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa Tuala Ponifasio on the tarmac. Also on the charter flight were Chief of Staff Loa Tauapai Laupola, Commander Alapati Fano, the First Lady’s Guard Mary Penitusi and the First Lady’s Executive Assistant Orepa Talo

KVZK News understands that on the sideline of the Atoa o Samoa, Governor Lemanu will have an audience with Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa.

In July this year in American Samoa PM Fiame told KVZK New that the Atoa o Samoa is about the spirit of governments working together towards common issues and goals that would benefit the two Samoa, with close familial and cultural ties. With both governments having gone through changes in administration in recent times, now is an opportune time to resume the talks, said Fiame.

A copy of the Atoa o Samoa draft program received by KVZK News says there will be pre talks on Wednesday 12th between ASG Department representatives and their counterparts here in Apia. This is organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. There are also site visits planned for Wednesday until 5:00pm.

For the official opening on Thursday 13th, the day will begin at 7:30- 7:45 with a Guard of Honor at the Front Lawn of the Government Building to be followed by a Faiga Lotu by His Grace Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga. There will be opening remarks by Co-Chairs Hon. Lemanu P. S Mauga, Governor of American Samoa and Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Prime Minister of Samoa.

The official opening will end with our traditional Fa’aaloaloga Fa’asamoa. After the official opening, the delegates will then move to the Taumesina Island Resort for breakfast and begin the bi-lateral meeting.

American Samoa’s delegation this week includes several cabinet members and relevant officials for the focus areas to be discussed. Enhancing cooperation between the two Samoa in development areas of common interest such as immigration, health, trade in goods and services, business conditions, agriculture, finance and security are key areas of the Atoa o Samoa in Apia.