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OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR – American Samoa
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Friday, September 21, 2007)
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Gov. Togiola conclude Samoa Talks,
sign outcomes
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(APIA) – Governor Togiola Tulafono and Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi concluded Samoa Talks 2007 today that was held at the Central Bank Building in Apia.
At the conclusion of the Talks, Governor Togiola expressed his thanks to Prime Minister Tuilaepa for a very successful meeting.
“We really appreciate our discussions today with Prime Minister Tuilaepa, cabinet members and their respective ministerial support. We embrace this moment and know that success will come and these Samoa Talks will require the active efforts and follow up of both of our countries,” said Governor Togiola. “We have accomplished a lot today and we are very happy that by working together, we can help build strong capabilities.”
Governor Togiola said American Samoa and Samoa are strongly committed to the annual meeting on cooperation issues between the Two Samoas.
“I have repeated to the Prime Minister my commitment of this annual opportunity to meet as it holds great promise for our countries to recognize the goals of both governments. We must all show the wisdom and the will to take the outcomes of this very important meeting and make it come into fruition,” said Governor Tog Iola. “I commend Prime Minister Tuilaepa and the government of the Independent State of Samoa for hosting these very important discussions. We thank you for your strong support, positive response on the issues and especially your friendship. Thank you for the kind hospitality. And we look forward to hosting the meeting of the Two Samoas in 2008.”
Prime Minister Tuilaepa also offered his sincere gratitude to the American Samoa delegation.
“I want to thank you Governor Togiola for an excellent meeting of our two countries. I wish to convey also our thanks to your delegation. We had a very good discussion. We will continue to support very strongly the outcomes of our discussions. We look forward to strengthening that relationship through mutual cooperation and understanding,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa also said Samoa has an excellent relationship with American Samoa in supporting each other.
“During our meeting between delegations, we had an exchange of views on issues related to our countries and the region. Our views are common as well as our foundations and visions,” said Prime Minister Tuilaepa. “We will continue working together further as countries in closer cooperation and pursue our issues together. Thank you for a most satisfying exchange of views here at our meeting. And see you in Pago Pago next year.”
American Samoa will host Samoa Talks in 2008.
A signing ceremony of the official meeting report – Record of Outcomes – was conducted during the state dinner hosted by Prime Minister Tuilaepa at Nafanua, a government retreat facility near Vailima.
Taking part in the American Samoa delegation that was led by Governor Tog Iola were: the Department of Legal Affairs - Fepulea’i Afa Ripley Jr., Attorney General, and Ufuti Fa’afetai Ieremia, Chief Immigration Officer; American Samoa Power Authority - Andra Samoa, CEO, Joachim Fong, Planning and Special Projects, and Tony Atilua, Senior Electric Supervisor, Power Generation Division; Department of Commerce - Lelei Peau, Deputy Director, and Lupe Aumavae, Commerce Planner; Department of Port Administration - Matagi Ray Mailo McMoore, Director; Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources - Ufagafa Ray Tulafono, Director; Department of Public Safety - Filifa’atali Mike Fuiava, Deputy Commissioner, and Leseiau Vaitoelau Laumoli, Chief of Police; American Samoa TeleCommunications Authority - Alex Sene Jr., Deputy Director; Department of Homeland Security - Sam Tinae, Adviser; Office of the Governor - Toetasi Fue Tuiteleleapaga, Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel, and Tialuga Vincent Iuli, Governor’s Press Officer.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa was joined at the meeting by members of the cabinet: Taua Tavaga Kitiona Seuala, Minister of Agriculture, Tuu’u Anasi’i Leota, Minister of Revenue and Customs, To’omata Alapati Poese To’omata, Minister of Education, Gatoloa’ifa’ana Amataga Alesana Gidlow, Minister of Health, Unasa Mesi Galo, Minister of Justice, Toleafoa Leaupepe Fa’afisi, Minister of Police and Prisons, and seventeen ministerial CEOs and support staff.
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