The Samoa Government has released the schedule for the arrival of New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern this afternoon, and departs tomorrow.
This is in line with the 60th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, between Aotearoa New Zealand, and Samoa.
The delegation arrives at Faleolo International airport at 2:30 pm. There will be an ava ceremony to officially welcome Ardern and her delegation at the Robert Louis Stevenson compound in Vailima, with a reception to follow at 4pm.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister said in a statement issued earlier this trip builds on Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s visit to Aotearoa New Zealand in June, and provides another opportunity for us to reflect on our shared past and think ahead to a shared future.
“In 1962, Samoa became the first Pacific nation to achieve independence, after almost 50 fifty years under Aotearoa New Zealand’s administration.
“Two months later, the Treaty of Friendship was signed, committing both governments to work together to promote the welfare of the people of Samoa, and conduct our relationship in the spirit of close friendship; the Treaty remains the guiding light for our way forward.”
Prime Minister Ardern is accompanied by Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Carmel Sepuloni; Minister of Pacific Peoples, Aupito William Sio, Leader of the Opposition Christopher Luxon, representatives from each political party in Parliament and a delegation of Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific leaders.
Tomorrow, there will be a guard of honour conducted in front of the Government Building by the Ministry of Police and Prisons, for the flag-raising ceremony for both Countries.
Afterward, a joint press conference will be held at 11 am, for local media and New Zealand media.
