Samoa’s Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo with EU’s Representative John Stanley, celebrating Europe Day at a formal function held at the Kitano Tusitala Hotel Friday evening.

 

By Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga

As one of the 28 member of the union which is uniting over 500 million people in an economic and political union, Samoa is a family member to one o world’s largest donor, the European Union.

And it would have been amiss for Samoa if it had not joined the European Day global celebrations this month, marking the generosity of the European Union to its family members.

To that extend, a formal function took place at the Kitano Hotel to honor and celebrated the European Day in Samoa and most importantly to acknowledge the European Union’s kindness to Samoa and our residents.

“The EU’s support for Samoa and in our wider Pacific region is testament to the enduring dedication of the Union to help small island developing states despite the lingering crisis that the Euro zone faces. We are very appreciative,�? complimented Deputy Prime Minister Fonotoe Nuafesili Pierre Lauofo in his congratulatory speech.

“This annual event provides an opportunity for our government to again publicly acknowledge Samoa’s partnership with the EU that goes back well over thirty years and to thank the EU for its national and regional programmes which have very generously supported Samoa’s development efforts; including in key areas such as renewable energy, climate change adaptation, water supply and sanitation, as well as assistance to civil society and work on social challenges Samoa faces.�?

In his address, the EU’s Head of Office in Samoa John Stanley said that the EU is united by a common goal in “pursuing peace, respect of human rights and dignity, equality, democracy and the rule of law.�?

“EU member countries have overcome age differences with its people now overwhelmingly living in peace, security and prosperity, despite the on-going economic challenges they face,�? he added.

In the meantime, the EU is currently in the final stages of planning with the Samoa Government how to implement Samoa’s allocation of EUR 20 million (SAT 54 million), which will centre around improving the delivery of water and sanitation services, and building a stronger Civil Society.

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