Rev Siaosi Salesulu
Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo
Members of the Council of Deputies
Chief Justice and the Judiciary
Speaker of the House
Leader of the Opposition
Members of Parliament
High Commissioner of Australia, Your Excellency William Carter Robinson,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Ladies & Gentlemen
Talofa and a pleasant good evening,
I am delighted to join your company at the reception this evening to commemorate Australia Day. On behalf of the Government and the People of Samoa, I convey through you, Excellency Robinson, High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Government and People of Australia on the celebration of the anniversary of Australia Day.
Once again we are here to celebrate when Australia became its own
nation and to reflect on its journey throughout the years, We have seen the growth of its diverse population against a tapestry of history rich in various cultures and traditions; its international relations and global partner standing as well as its role as a development partner to its Pacific neighbourhood.
This year marks fifty-five years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Australia in 1971. It is a seasoned partnership, underpinned by respect for each other’s sovereignty, shared values and goals for development as well as our shared stewardship of our Blue Pacific continent as members of the Pacific Islands Forum.
Our Bilateral Partnership Arrangement signed in 2003 “Ole Fala
Folasia i lo ta Va” (The Map that guides Us) is the blueprint for our
engagement throughout the vast scope of our cooperation. Our focused priority areas for cooperation include climate and disaster resilience, security cooperation, economic growth and partnerships, human and social development and our people-to-people links; in support of Samoa’s aspirations and priorities as outlined in the “Pathway for the Development of Samoa.”
The TAUTAI and TAUTUA flagship partnerships continue to deliver
economic and human development competencies tailored to our emerging needs. Agreed operational processes are aligned to country systems that emphasize sustainability, contextually tailored capabilities and nationally led ownership. Labour mobility schemes have been proven mutually beneficial to both countries; however, some disadvantages have emerged which have called for a review of such schemes thus ensuring a robust policy framework that is responsive to the constraints.
I would like to acknowledge the prominence we place on the Samoa Australia Police Partnership as reflected in the significant support in capacity building and security arrangements leading up to and during Samoa’s hosting of a successful CHOGM last year with the cooperation of all its development partners including Australia.
Our shared commitment in ensuring the development and prosperity of our Blue Pacific region strengthens our regional engagement despite the growing geopolitical tensions that can undermine the unity and solidarity of the region. The security context has grown to incorporate the existential threat of climate change, transnational crime, human security threat, food security, geopolitical tensions and more recently cybersecurity to mention a few. We thank Australia for its assistance through the crucial capacity building programmes in the region on cybersecurity so that we are not continuously marginalised in such areas.
Notwithstanding the different outlooks and discourses on politics and security, we would like to reiterate our stance of being part of a Blue Pacific continent that is free from military competition and presence and one that is characterised by peace as our contribution to world order
I thank the Government of Australia for the multifaceted support and assistance delivered through the Samoa Australia partnership including budget support that provides a boost in progressing our sustainable development. We also acknowledge the trust and understanding of the Government of Australia and our other development partners in the use of country systems reflected in the extension of budget support under the Joint Policy Action Matrix.
We look forward to further strengthening our partnership as we do with all our development partners and close engagement in initiatives that will further support regional unity, growth and stability.
To conclude, Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully invite you all to raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast:
“To the enduring and meaningful Samoa-Australia relations.
Happy Australia Day.”
Ia manuia!
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)
