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American Samoa and North Sulawesi formalize their ‘sister province’ relationship

Governors, Lolo Matalasi Moliga and DR SH Sarundajang last week, signed a memorandum of understanding between the American Samoa Government and the Provincial Government of North Sulawesi of the Republic of Indonesia. The signing of the MOU was held before members of the media at the Governor’s Conference Room.

 

Prior to signing of the MOU, Governor DR SH Sarundajang explained that Sulawesi Province is one of the seven provinces in Indonesia situated at the at the Northern most tip of the Sulawesi Island bordering directly with the Philippines. It has a population of about 2.2 million and consists of 15 cities and regencies.

 

According to the Sulawesi Governor, their main focus is the development of fisheries, agriculture (particularly coconuts) and tourism as the premier mover. “In line with the accelerated development in the Areas of Fisheries, Agriculture, Tourism, Trade and Industry, demands on more suitable infrastructure and facilities are necessary in order to support the current developments.

 

He noted that October last year, then Gov. Togiola Tulafono and his wife Mary Ann visited North Sulawesi and during that trip, Togiola established a sister province relationship between Northern Sulawesi and American Samoa. “And I made a promise to visit American Samoa to do the follow up of our commitment,” said the governor.

 

The Sualwesi governor stated that his belief is that they are creating history for a better future for both North Sulawesi and American Samoa. “We may not see the result of our cooperation in short period but our children and their children may gain the benefits in the future.”

 

He further stated that Indonesia and the USA’s relationship is getting stronger and it’s his hope that the relationship between North Sulawesi and American Samoa will be strongest for the years ahead. “This partnership will then encourage more collaboration and increase the mutual relationship between Indonesia and USA,” said DR SH Sarundajang.

 

Governor Lolo credited former Governor Togiola for initiating the relationship saying this relationship has just been taken up to another level with the signing of MOU.

 

To implement the activities of the MOU the parties have agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to prepare, recommend and evaluate activities. ‘This Joint Working Group shall meet on an annual basis, alternately in North Sulawesi or American Samoa and if a meeting cannot be held due to circumstances, documents shall be exchanged in lieu of such a meeting,” says the MOU.

 

TERMS OF THE MOU

 

Trade and investment where parties are to exchange information on trade and display products and informational materials as designated offices in North Sulawesi and in the territory and also exports and imports of products. This will also include the promotion of sustainable trade and investment and direct visits.

 

With regards to Agriculture, Environment, Infrastructure and Renewable Energy, parties are to exchange information on government officials and the business community pertaining to the development of cultivation technology and the processing of agricultural products. Cooperation in the field of marketing of agricultural products and infrastructure development, exchange of expertise in environmental management, exchanged of internships and expertise in technology along with participation in workshops on renewable energy and the development of projects involving joint research in the field of renewable energy.  

 

Education, Youth and Sport, parties are also to exchange information of education, students and teachers and on life skills programs for children. Also cooperation and understanding in the education of children in elementary, middle and high schools and there will also be student exchange programs in the field of youth and sports.

 

The financial provision with the Joint Working Group whereas the sending party shall cover travel expenses to and from the capital city of the receiving country including all incidental expenses incurred related to the travel. The receiving party shall cover all expenses for local accommodations, meals and local transportation, medical needs and interpreters as needed.