Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Congresswoman Aumua Amata congratulated the people of Samoa upon their 57th anniversary celebration of independence, and highlighted their continued friendship with American Samoa and the United States.

“It was a pleasure to be on hand and take part in this celebration with friends in Samoa,” said Aumua Amata. “Congratulations to the people of Samoa on these 57 successful years, and we appreciate the ongoing friendship Samoa has with American Samoa and the United States, along with other partnerships throughout our shared region of the Pacific.”

In attending the celebration, the Congresswoman joined Samoa’s dignitaries, including Head of State His Highness AfiogaTuimalealiifano Va'aleto'a Sualauvi II and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano, and Prime Minister Susuga Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi  and Masiofo Gillian Sailele Malielegaoi, along with U.S. Charge d’Affairs Antone “Tony” Greubel, and Acting Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga, who headed up the American Samoa delegation.

“This was a wonderful celebration, and I appreciate the hospitality from the Prime Minister and his wife,” continued Congresswoman Amata. “We value the enduring ties we will always share through our ancient Samoan culture, and of course, many of our people in American Samoa have family and dear friends in Samoa.”

“I was happy to be there and join the spirit of celebration, and I appreciated Acting Governor Lemanu and the American Samoa delegation,” concluded Amata. “A special thank you to Charge d’Affairs Greubel and his wife Izumi Greubel as they represent our Nation.”

(source: Congresswoman Amata’s Washington office)