God’s guidance sought as Atoa-O-Samoa talks open in Apia
Atoa-O-Samoa talks opened Thursday morning in Apia.
Photo : Government of Samoa
Leaders of the independent Samoa and American Samoa have sought God’s guidance as they meet over two days to discuss issues specific to the two Samoan island groups.
Called the Atoa-O-Samoa Executive Talks, Co-Chaired by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and American Samoa Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga, the meeting opened on Thursday morning with prayer and a ceremony held on the front lawn of the Government Building in Apia.
Co-Chair Governor Mauga and his delegation arrived early this week on Tuesday, 11 October for the talks.
In remarks delivered at the opening, he thanked the Government of Samoa for hosting the meeting and praised God for His blessings.
Issues that will be discussed over two days cover health, the economy, business, trade, agriculture, prisons, education, youth, immigration, land issues, drugs trafficking, security and communications.
Some “new issues” will also be discussed, said the governor.
Co-Chair Prime Minister Fiame welcomed the governor and his delegation, noting that this meeting is a continuation of meetings hosted by American Samoa in July 2022.
She noted that his is the first time Governor Mauga has visited Samoa since he was elected governor in ---.
The talks are an official event of the 60th anniversary celebration of Samoa’s status as a soverign state.
“Today marks the continuation of the Atoa-O-Samoa Samoa talks, the second session being hosted in Apia,” Prime Minister Fiame said.
Photo : Government Of Samoa
“The Atoa-O-Samoa talks are an official celebration of the 60th independence anniversary of Samoa. Of notable significance is that the talks provide the opportunity for greater and sustainable operations between Samoa and American Samoa now and into the future.”
Samoa and American Samoa are led by two different governments but its blood connections forged by our ancestors cannot be severed, she said.
“Samoa is a family,” said Prime Minister Fiame.
Working in cooperation, Samoa and American Samoa can assist each other in conquering the challenges that lie ahead, she said.
The Prime Minister asked for God’s guidance upon the talks.
She said the days ahead will not be easy and drew from a Bible verse (Proverbs 17:17) to illustrate the nature of the relationship between Samoa and American Samoa.
The verse reads: A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (E alofa le uo i aso uma lava; a e fanau le uso mo le aso vale).
His Grace Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga opened the ceremony with a prayer of thanks for God’s favour, protection and blessings upon the Samoan islands.
Although there are two Samoas, the island groups remain united as one under God, the Archbishop said.
He urged leaders to put “God’s will” first in their talks and in partnerships forged with other nations.
The Archbishop said Thursday was an “important day for Samoa.”
He prayed for blessings upon the leaders that their decisions may be of benefit to the youth and children of the U.S. territory and the independent nation.
The Archbishop asked for the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the talks, that the outcome glorifies God.
The American Samoa Government came bearing gifts of U.S. dollars: $10,000 for the Archbishop, $7,000 for the Prime Minister Fiame, Speaker Papalii Lio Masipau received $5,000, $4,000 was gifted to the Deputy Prime Minister Tuala Ponifasio, $2,000 for some government ministers, $1,000 for the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet (M.P.M.C.) and $500 for others.
The monetary gifts were presented during traditional Samoan gift giving that followed the opening.
Talks are being held at Taumeasina Island Resort.
The official A.S.G. motto is: “Samoa, Muamua le Atua.”
The official motto for the Samoa is: “Faavae i le Atua Samoa.”
The Atoa-O-Samoa meeting closes on Friday.