New Zealand continues its support to Samoa’s Covid-19 response in the community, with the announcement that 50,000 rapid antigen tests (RAT) have been provided to the Ministry of Health.
“The rapid antigen tests (RATs) are a testing mechanism that allow people to get their test results in less than an hour and have been widely used in other countries as a key tool for combatting the rapid spread of the virus,” states the New Zealand High Commission office in Samoa on a post.
The RAT tests are in addition to a donation of 10,000 doses announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Associate Health Minister Aupito William Sio last month.
“Aotearoa New Zealand is donating an additional 9,300 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to Tonga, and 10,000 doses to Samoa..
“These donations are part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to global vaccination efforts and are part of our plans to support vaccine rollout in the Pacific.”
“These vaccines will enable frontline workers and vulnerable populations to access a booster as early as possible,” Aupito William Sio said.
Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa acknowledge 2022 as the 60th year of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The signing of the Treaty of Friendship between Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa is also being celebrated this year.
The Treaty of Friendship emphasises the closeness of the relationship between Samoa and New Zealand, underpinned by “friendship, confidence, and a mutual endeavour to obtain for their peoples fuller opportunities for social progress”.
“The bonds between Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa have evolved significantly over the past 60 years and we are confident that our unique friendship will continue to expand and deepen”.
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