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by Asi Andrew Fa'asau

andrew@samoanews.com

APIA, Samoa — February 6, 2026 — Top government officials from Samoa and American Samoa wrapped up two days of intensive discussions on Wednesday in Apia, which officials confirmed served as a key step in preparations for the upcoming Atoa o Samoa Talks, scheduled to take place in May 2026, where broader bilateral issues will be addressed.

The American Samoa delegation was led by Attorney General Gwen Tauiliili Langkilde and Director of Homeland Security Glen Lefiti, accompanied by senior officials including the Heads of Police and Immigration.

On the Samoa side, the delegation comprised the CEO of the Ministry of the Prime Minister, the CEO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as senior representatives from Immigration and Customs.

The talks were part of ongoing efforts to enhance border management and security frameworks, following up on discussions held last month between Samoa’s Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt and American Samoa’s Governor Pula’ali’i Nikolao Pula.

Prime Minister La’auli opened the collaborative consultations in Apia on Tuesday with a message of unity, declaring that “what is good for Tutuila is also good for Samoa.”

His remarks set the tone for two days of high-level discussions between officials from Samoa and American Samoa, emphasizing the importance of preserving and strengthening the shared culture, language, history, and family ties that bind the two nations despite their different political systems.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of looking forward, urging delegates to “put past mistakes behind them and work together to build a prosperous future for both Samoa and American Samoa.”

The consultations wrapped up with officials pledging closer cooperation on trade, border security, and travel.

SECURITY CONCERNS

Following recent arrests of Samoa nationals attempting to smuggle drugs into the country from American Samoa, Customs and Police personnel from both sides agreed to intensify collaboration in combating illegal drugs and trafficking. Officials highlighted the need for coordinated enforcement at ports of entry to safeguard communities from the growing threat of narcotics.

At the same time, leaders acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong people-to-people ties.

IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES TABLED

Proposals however were tabled to streamline immigration procedures — to making travel easier for workers and families who regularly move between Samoa and American Samoa. The measures were aimed to balance security with accessibility, ensuring that legitimate travel and cultural exchange remain unhindered.

COMMERCE

Strong emphasis was placed on expanding commerce, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Samoa expressed keen interest in pursuing joint ventures aimed at boosting exports to regional markets, underscoring the importance of economic collaboration between the two island-neighbors.

HEALTH SECTORS

Another issue of utmost importance discussed was cooperation with regard to health and education.

With the recent dengue epidemic affecting both Samoas, participants from both governments agreed that cooperation by the Health sectors in preemptive measures including educating the people on ways to battle diseases was essential. Student exchange programs and recognition of qualifications were also highlighted as priorities.