Lau Afioga, Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo
Ministers of Cabinet,
Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,
Speaker and Members of Parliament,
High Commissioner of Australia, Your Excellency, Ms. Emily Luck
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished Guests,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to join you all this evening in celebration of the Australia Day. A day to celebrate Australia, its diverse culture and people.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Samoa, I would like to wish the Government and the people of Australia through you High Commissioner; warm felicitations on the celebration of your national day. We pay tribute to the growing recognition and acceptance of the indigenous voices and practices that will add value to strengthened societies.
The celebration of any anniversary day is always an opportune time to reflect on how far we have come in the achievement of our goals for our planet, people, peace and prosperity. It is also a time to review the partnerships we have committed to and ensure they remain mutually beneficial.
Samoa and Australia established diplomatic relations in the last 52 years. We have a significant number of Samoans who call Australia their home and are contributing meaningfully to the multicultural community of Australia. Similarly, we have a growing community of Australians in Samoa who work and live here.
The close relations between our two countries continues through cooperation in the areas of health, education, environment, sports infrastructure and employment. We continue to work in partnership with Australia to develop Samoa’s aspirations and priorities as outlined in the Pathway for the Development of Samoa. The focus is to be on capacity building in order to fill the skills gaps that are proving to be challenges in our quest for sustainable development.
We appreciate the efforts by Australia to enhance its engagement with the Pacific in combating the issues of Climate Change and ensuring good governance of our Oceans and resources.
Samoa and Australia have worked closely as partners in the region to achieve shared goals in economic development and regional security. Samoa is one of the participating countries in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme for seasonal workers. No doubt our countries have mutually benefitted from the scheme in terms of the Australian employers having access to the much needed short term labour for their harvest needs and at the same time providing income and skills for Samoan labour as well as remittances.
Our relations as bilateral partners are premised on shared values and so is the collective of the Blue Pacific nations. On this note I wish all Australians here in Samoa a happy Australia Day.
I would also like to convey a warm welcome to Australia’s new Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Claire McGeehan and her family. I wish you and your family an enjoyable stay in Samoa.
In closing Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to invite you all to join me in proposing a toast:
“To the good health and wealth of Australia and its people. May the friendship and enduring partnership between Samoa and Australia continue to prosper – Ia Manuia!”
Soifua.
