The Deputy Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has expressed deep disappointment in the United State’s President, Donald Trump’s annoucment that the his country would withdraw from Paris Climate Change Accord.

Speaking to the Samoa Observer as the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, is also not surprised that American Samoa’s Congresswoman, Aumua Amata, has backed Trump’s position.

“Aumua Amata is a Republican Congress Woman albeit from an Island Territory,” Fiame said. “So I am not surprised by her position.”

As a leading figure in a country that strongly advocates for the need to address climate change, Fiame believes America should reconsider its position.

 “All I can say is to echo the disappointment from world leaders including those from Samoa and the Pacific at the U.S.A’s about face under the new administration,” she said. 

But she Fiame also had a message for all the 174 countries who signed the Paris Agreement. 

“The important thing is for all the countries who signed the Paris Agreement to move forward on our global response to Climate Change. Hopefully the U.S.A can resolve the issue internally and realign with the rest of the world.” 

Fiame’s comments were in response to questions from the Samoa Observer.

In 2015, America had signed the Paris Agreement under President Barack Obama.

But U.S. President Trump has announced the United States will withdraw from the deal.

 “In order to fulfill my solemn duty to protect America and its citizens, the United States will withdraw from the Paris climate accord,” Trump said in a statement from the White House Rose Garden.  

The move by Trump has been strongly criticized by Pacific Leaders.

Read more at Samoa Observer