Seal of American Samoa Government

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Photos of the Meetings

 

SEVENTH MEETING ON COOPERATION ISSUES BETWEEN THE TWO SAMOAS

21st September 2007
Central Bank Building, Apia, Samoa

Record of Outcomes

 

The Governor of American Samoa, the Honourable Togiola T.A. Tulafono and the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, the Honourable Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, held talks in Apia on the 21st September 2007, on common issues of importance between the Two Samoas.

 

1. IMMIGRATION

 

The following issues were discussed:

    1. Guest Workers Permit (GWP) – Samoa asked if the terms & conditions of the GWP complied with the standards set out by the International Labour Organization (ILO) of which Samoa is a member. American Samoa provided a copy of the GWP legislation to Samoa for review and asked to be informed of any inconsistencies with ILO standards.
    2. Transiting Passengers between the two Samoas – American Samoa is no longer charging a transit fee on passengers if they are in the Territory for less than 24 hours. Samoa has agreed to consider doing the same for American Samoa national transiting through Faleolo.
    3. Entry Permits – Samoa proposed that American Samoa consider setting up an Office in Apia to expedite the quick and efficient processing of entry permits in to the Territory. Options for this were proposed for consideration.
    4. American Samoa discussed a pending proposal for new 14-day permit process. Intention is for permit to be issued on arrival. American Samoa will continue to develop details of the process. If new process is implemented successfully, then the need for an American Samoa Office in Samoa is unnecessary.

 

Decision: Oversight Committee to continue to work together to address the issues identified.

 

2. TELECOMMUNICATIONS

 

The following issues were discussed:

    1. Fibre Optic Undersea Cable –American Samoa has signed a letter of intent to redeploy the PAC RIM EAST undersea fibre-optic cable from Hawaii to American Samoa. The capacity of this cable exceeds the needs of American Samoa. Samoa is being invited to join this venture which would enable Samoa to have connectivity by mid 2008. American Samoa also reported that the Environmental Assessment is currently underway.
    2. Samoa is considering a microwave link as one option to accessing the PAC RIM EAST undersea cable.
    3. South Pacific Information Network (SPIN) East is currently being considered by both Governments. Both Samoas have agreed to continue to investigate cost of leasing and ownership options.

    Decision: Both Samoas agreed to consider all options for improved connectivity to the two countries and the Oversight Committee shall endeavour to share information on any/all developments.

     

3. PUBLIC UTILITIES, EPC AND ENERGY

 

The following issues were discussed:

    1. Renewable Energy – Leaders expressed a commitment to continue to share information regarding process made in developing renewable energy alternatives. For example Samoas progress with solar, wind and coconut oil, and research conducted in American Samoa in ocean thermal energy.
    2. Bulk Purchasing of Fuel – Despite there being differences in the type of fuel (grade, quality) required by the Two Samoas both sides agreed that there were economies of scale benefits to be made by having a joint purchasing arrangement for the bulk purchasing of fuel. American Samoa identified two types of petroleum products they had in common with Samoa – Lube oil & marine diesel. Both leaders agreed that bulk purchasing was favourable given the capacity of both Samoas to store large quantities of fuel.
    3. American Samoa raised the possibility of setting up an oil refinery in Savaii as another cost saving option.

    Decision: Oversight Committee will initiate the establishment of a committee tasked to look at all options discussed.

     

4. CUSTOMS, POLICE SURVEILLANCE AND EEZ

 

The following issues were discussed:

    1. Drug Interdiction – Both sides felt that drug trafficking was an important concern that warranted continued close collaboration. The sharing of information could be extended beyond drug trafficking to include other crimes such as child abuse, sexual abuse and domestic violence.
    2. Exclusive Economic Zone – Identifying a clear demarcation between the two Samoas continues to be a problem. Samoa is still keen to have American Samoa involved in the next round of discussions.
    3. Oil Spill Legislation – Samoa has drafted legislation for prosecuting and assessing penalties for offenders. Copy of this legislation to be made available to American Samoa so that they can develop something similar.

     

    Decision: Oversight Committee to monitor progress on the above issues.

 

5. TRANSPORT

 

The following issues were discussed:

    1. Sea Transport – American Samoa is still keen on the MV Sili to call to port in Salelologa, Savaii. The MV Sili is currently undergoing certification by the US Coast Guard.
    2. Port Shelter Terminal – Temporary shelter has been erected with permanent facilities being planned.

Decision: Oversight Committee to monitor progress on the above issues.

6. ENVIRONMENT

 

The following issues were discussed:

    1. Marine Protected Area (MPA) Network – American Samoa proposed an annual meeting between environment authorities from both sides to look at issues with respect to Coral Reef conservation, MPA network and Fisheries.
    2. Samoa expressed an interest in learning from American Samoas experiences and knowledge gained in US Coral Reef Task Force, Coastal Management Program and National Parks.
    3. Fish Species & Habitat Conservation – American Samoa expressed an interest with Samoa in regional MPA approach, developing uniform regulations governing the protection of certain fish species.

    Decision: Both sides agreed to hold annual environmental meetings. Oversight Committee will follow up on the issues discussed.

     

7. JOINT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

    Decision: Both Leaders agreed that Joint Disaster Preparedness is a priority issue and that it be reinstated as an agenda item for subsequent inter island Talks. It was decided that a discussion paper be developed by the appropriate authorities on how to move forward.

8. HEALTH

 

The following issue(s) were discussed:

    1. Epidemic/Threat of infectious Disease – Leaders agreed that the sharing of information and direct communication between Health authorities on both sides in the event of an epidemic/outbreak of infectious disease was paramount to the protection, safety and welfare of our people. American Samoa proposed the development of a joint system for ‘cooperative order restrictions’ in the event of an outbreak.

    Decision: Both sides to nominate officials to serve on a task force to develop protocols for sharing and dissemination of health information and protocols for responding to epidemic and infectious disease outbreaks.

9. EDUCATION, SPORTS AND CULTURE

 

The following issue(s) were discussed:

    1. Sport Cooperation – Leaders recognized the importance of organized sports as an avenue for promoting healthy living, economic and educational opportunities for our people and developing local athletic talent and skills.
    2. Samoa Games – American Samoa called for the reviving of the Samoa Games to be held on a regular basis in a select number of sports

Decision: Oversight Committee to discuss further and develop a proposal for the staging of such an event.

10. AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES

 

The following issue(s) were discussed:

    1. American Samoa reported on its most recent initiatives to ban the harvesting of Big Fish in territorial waters and requested collaborative effort in developing uniform regulations for the conservation of certain species (Big Fish).
    2. Samoa called for the need to look at fishing methods being used and their impact on fish stocks.
    3. Both Leaders recognized the importance of a united conservation stance in order to sustain fish resources for future generations.

    Decision: Fisheries Authorities from the Two Samoas are encouraged to continue work together to address these issues. Oversight Committee to report on progress made at next meeting

11. ECONOMIC INTEGRATION

 

The following issue(s) were discussed:

    1. Economic Integration – Leaders acknowledged receipt of the joint letter from the American Samoa Chamber of Commerce, the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, the Samoa Hotel Association and the Samoa Association of Manufacturers & Exporters requesting consideration of an Economic Integration Agreement between the two Samoas.
    2. Private Sector Support – Both Leaders recognized the need to strengthen the relationship between the Government and the private sector.

    Decision: Both Leaders agreed to establish a joint Government/Private Sector Task Force to determine the feasibility of an Economic Integration Agreement between the Two Samoas for the purpose of establishing a ‘common customs union’.

12. OTHER ISSUES

 

    1. American Samoa provided ten (10) CDs on the Samoa Archipelago.
    2. To advance the discussions on a joint bulk purchasing arrangement between the Two Samoas the following were nominated as initial ‘Points of Contact:

      American Samoa

      Attorney General, Department of Legal Affairs
      CEO, American Samoa Power Authority
      Manager, American Samoa Petroleum Cooperative

      Samoa

      Deputy CEO, Ministry of Finance
      CEO, Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment
      Manager, Electric Power Corporation

    3. To advance the discussions on developing Health protocols for the Two Samoas the following were nominated as initial ‘Points of Contact’:

      American Samoa

      Attorney General, Department of Legal Affairs
      CMO, American Samoa Medical Center Authority
      Director, Department of Public Health

      Samoa

      CEO, Ministry of Health
      CEO, Samoa Health Services
      ACEO, Ministry of Prime Minister (Immigration)
      CEO, Ministry of Agriculture

    4. To advance the discussion on an Economic Integration Agreement between the Two Samoas the following were nominated as initial ‘Points of Contact’:

      American Samoa

      Director, Department of Commerce
      Treasurer, Department of Treasury
      Attorney General, Department of Legal Affairs
      Director, Department of Port Administration
      American Samoa Chamber of Commerce

      Samoa

      CEO, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Labour
      CEO, Ministry of Revenue & Customs
      CEO, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade
      Samoa Hotel Association
      Samoa Association of Manufacturers & Exports
      Samoa Chamber of Commerce

 

 

 

 

 

Togiola T.A. Tulafono
GOVERNOR
AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT

 

Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi
PRIME MINISTER
GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

 

Apia, Samoa, September 21st, 2007