SAMOA, January 3 - [PRESS RELEASE]- The Prime Minister of Samoa, Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa met for the first time with the new Governor of American Samoa, Hon. Pulaalii Nikolao Pula and Lieutenant Governor, Hon. Pulu Ae Ae Jr at 3pm the 3rd January 2025 following the Inauguration Ceremony in the morning.

The meeting was held at the Governor’s Office, AP Lutali Executive Office Building.

The Prime Minister congratulated Governor Pula and LT Pulu on this auspicious occasion and further conveyed the best wishes from the Government and people of Samoa towards their tenure in the leadership.

During his inauguration speech, Governor Pula reiterated the importance of the Atoa o Samoa relations given our common ancestry and heritage with the old saying, ‘Blood is thicker than water’.

The dialogue focused on continuing cooperation on mutual development interests such as trade, civil aviation, labor mobility, Pacific Islands Forum and collaboration in the region. Samoa will host the next Atoa o Samoa on May 2025. Honorable Mataafa attended as the Official Guest of Government from Samoa accompanied by CEO, MPMC, Agafili Shem Leo and Consul General, Fata Brian Kaio.