07 February 2019, Apia Samoa Press Secretariat. The Acting Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa joined the Government and people of New Zealand in Samoa to celebrate the 179th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. The celebration was well attended by the business community, private and public sector partners of the Government of New Zealand, Diplomatic Corps, Cabinet members and Government officials. Amongst the VIP guests at the gathering were His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, Head of State of Samoa and Masiofo.
Acting Prime Minister Fiame who spoke on behalf of the Government of Samoa said that events such as this serves an important purpose of reminding Samoans and New Zealanders of the long shared history and unique relationship between the two countries.
“This annual event, in my view, serves the very important purpose of reminding us of the long shared history and unique relationship between Samoa and New Zealand as enshrined in the Treaty of Friendship between our two countries. These partnerships were developed in the spirit of hope and the promise for a better future, to realise our development aspirations and to utilise better opportunities for the future of all our children.
I acknowledge the close and friendly relations that our two countries have enjoyed since Samoa became independent. The spirit of cooperation is alive and well and continues to be strengthened as demonstrated by the renewed joint commitment to all development aspects of our bilateral relations during Prime Minister Tuilaepa and The Right Honourable Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters’ meeting yesterday, and which have you referred to. Our shared history, Christianity, democracy and the respect as Pacific neighbours that we highly value will continue to bind our relations.”
Fiame also commended the Government of New Zealand’s support towards the fight against climate change through the increase of its support to climate financing as well as their kind assistance to all the other sectors of Samoa’s economy.
“We are pleased that we are able to work with New Zealand in many sectors of the economy and on issues of interest to Samoa including towards an efficient and more effective police force, a healthier population, better governance, enhanced security and a cleaner environment including an abundant and pristine ocean. Soon, we will enjoy the new scenery of the Government Building Area at Eleele Fou when the Waterfront Development Project is completed. It goes without saying therefore that we look forward to the continuation of the excellent bilateral developmental partnership between Samoa and New Zealand as well as the close working relationship we have at the regional and international fora.”
Read the full speeches here:
NZHC Waitangi Day 2019 speech — Nick Hurley (Acting NZ High Commissioner)
Statement on the 179th Waitangi Day Celebrations by Honorable Fiame Naomi Mataafa DPM
