PM departs on New Zealand state visit ‹ Savali News

Home » Articles » PM departs on New Zealand state visit

PM departs on New Zealand state visit

Tags:      Posted date:  October 15, 2012  |  No comment



By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi left this afternoon for his first official state visit to New  Zealand.

During the two-day visit, Tuilaepa will also hold a ministerial meeting with the New Zealand government covering  a range of issues that include the environment, immigration, Police,  agriculture, etc.

The Prime Minister leads a delegation that includes a handful of government chief executive officers.

“It is important that the CEOs attend this meeting not only to provide the necessary advice but also to hear  firsthand what our two countries will agree upon so they can act on it immediately,�? said Tuilaepa.

The visit coincides with the 50 years of independence celebrations as well as marking a half century of the New  Zealand-Samoa Treaty of Friendship.

In a press release Prime Minister John Key said,

“I visited Samoa in August to mark the anniversary, and I am pleased to host Prime Minister Tuilaepa for a  return visit during this special milestone year in our relationship.

“Samoa is the only country in the world with which New Zealand has a formal Treaty of Friendship.

“This special relationship is built on our shared Polynesian history, cultural ties, people-to-people links and regional cooperation, including through the Pacific Islands Forum.

“The treaty was signed shortly after Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in 1962, and it has been at the heart of our relationship ever since.

“Regular high-level talks are an important part of our relationship, reflecting the closeness between our two countries and providing an opportunity to discuss and progress bilateral issues.

“In addition, Prime Minister Tuilaepa is a long-serving and respected Pacific leader, and I look forward to discussing regional issues of mutual importance.�?

Following the state visit, Prime Minister Tuilaepa will then stopover in Sydney for the opening of Samoa’s consulate in Liverpool. Former South Pacific Games chief executive ManogIamanu Fonoti Etuale Ioane has been appointed Samoa’s comsul general in Sydney and will be in charge of that office.

 

 

.

 

.

.


About the author