The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, addressed the 247th
Independence Day Anniversary of the USA, which Ambassador Tom Udall US Embassy Residence, Vailima, on Thursday, July 6, 2023.
As per the Update, the present dignitaries were :
Lau Afioga, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo
Member of the Council of Deputies
Ministers of Cabinet,
The Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,
The Speaker and Members of Parliament,
Your Excellency Ambassador Tom Udall & Jill Cooper
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, expressed her gratitude to these dignitaries and thanked them for their Excellency. He specially thanked Ambassador Udall and his good lady for inviting her to celebrate the event with them this evening, the 247th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, I wish to convey to the Government and the people of the United States our warm congratulations”, she marked.
Further, to mark their celebration of their Independence, signed on July 4 1776. she offered their best wishes for the continued prosperity of the United States and all its citizens, especially those present at this evening.
As per the update, This year marks 52 years since establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. This critical milestone demonstrates the close ties based on the shared values of democracy, sovereignty, peace and security, and equal opportunities.
“We continue to foster meaningful cooperation in health, education, environment, EEZ security and Fisheries, and, importantly, the Peace Corps programme.” PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa quoted.
Also, Earlier this year, in February 2023, PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa shared that she welcomed the return of the Peace Corps to Samoa and the region since the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are delighted to note the arrival of the next cohort of eleven (11) Peace Corps trainees on Monday next week to assist with work underway to build the number of skilled teachers and promote the program’s efficacy.” further she added.
Furthermore, while sharing about the renewed efforts of the United States to consolidate its engagement in the region in terms of presence and security networks as well as targeted support to address the challenges of climate change, including the conservation of our livelihoods, the ocean and its resources, she shared, “Samoa appreciates the maritime surveillance services of the US Coastguard, particularly in our waters, given the situation when we were without a patrol boat.”
“We are also seeing a rising interest in tactical training for our modest police force given our international hosting obligations in the future; however, as much as possible, we would like to maintain the stability and peacefulness of the Pacific region,” she stressed.
Furthermore, While expressing her gratitude to the US for their continued and effective efforts in maintaining the infrastructure of their nation, Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi added, “The US has been engaged in social infrastructure over recent years, and one example of such a project is the upgrade of the Faleolo Medical Center that would assist in our preparations for hosting the CHOGM 2024.”
“Before closing, I understand that the Nevada National Guard delegation is here with us to formalize a partnership with our Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections. I wish you well in your meetings and hope you will converge on mutually beneficial outcomes,” she Continued.
At last, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi urged the presenters to join her in celebrating and marking the 247th Independence Day celebration, quoted, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I invite you all to join me in proposing a toast:
Happy Independence Day to the people of the United States
Soifua and God bless,”
