Australia Offers Financial Support To Manu Samoa
Manu Samoa
Photo: Supplied
Building on the interpersonal relationships that underpin the strong collaboration between Samoa and Australia, Australia's Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon. Pat Conroy MP, is honored to end his first trip to Samoa.
On the second day of his two-day tour, Minister Conroy confirmed Australia's assistance of AUD$220,000 (about WST 390,000) to the Manu Samoa team in advance of the 2023 Rugby World Cup to be held in France.
Rugby is a crucial component of both Samoa and Australia's national identities and a representation of their shared passion for sports. This investment from the Australian government honors our shared passion for rugby and the ability of sports to unite people. The Pacific AusSports Initiative of Australia also supports other sports such as cricket and netball.
"Sport unites people in a way that few other activities can because it has the capacity to cross boundaries, cultural barriers, and linguistic barriers. I understand the strong bond that individuals can have to their favorite teams and athletes since I grew up playing and watching rugby," Mr. Conroy said.
The Samoa Police Maritime Wing was visited by Minister Conroy, who is also the Minister for Defense Industry, to observe the significant efforts being made to safeguard Samoa's waterways. The Samoa Police interim training facility was established by Minister Conroy in collaboration with Samoa's Minister of Police, Prisons, and Correctional Services, the Honourable Faualo Harry Schuster. The addition of this new training facility to those offered by Samoa's other development partners will guarantee a highly qualified and competent workforce.
Minister Conroy wished Samoa's Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, ongoing good health. They also discussed the Samoan diaspora's contributions to Australia's national fabric, as well as the Head of State's role as Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, a significant regional institution.
Minister Conroy expressed gratitude for the chance to visit Samoa and further the commitment made in the recent Samoa-Australia Bilateral Partnership Agreement, 'O le Fala Folasia I Lo Ta Va,' signed by Prime Ministers Fiame and Albanese in Australia last month.
In a press statement, it mentioned that the Australian Government looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the Samoan Government in order to achieve common goals.