OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Thursday, September 20, 2007)
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Gov. Togiola arrives in Apia for the 7th Meeting

on Cooperation Issues of the Two Samoas

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(APIA, SAMOA) – Governor Togiola Tulafono today arrived in Apia for the 7th Meeting on Cooperation Issues Between the Two Samoas, or Samoa Talks, that will begin Friday morning at a new venue, the Central Bank Building.

At the Oversight Committee meeting this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended by Attorney General, Fepulea’i Afa Ripley Jr; Commerce Deputy Director Lelei Peau, Governor’s Chief Legal Counsel Toetasi Fue Tuiteleleapaga and Commerce Planner Lupe Aumavae, the committee announced change of venue for the meeting from the Development Bank Building to the Central Bank Building in the heart of Apia.

The committee finalized the agenda of the two-day meeting and announced that Governor Togiola and Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi will discuss issues that include Immigration, Education, Telecommunications, Energy, Customs and Police Surveillance, Drug Interdiction, Transportation, the Environment, Marine Protected Areas, Economic Integration and Development, Health Services, Joint Disaster Preparedness, Agriculture, Fisheries and Sports competition between the Two Samoas.

Samoa was represented at the committee meeting by CEO of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aiono Mose Pouvi Sua, CEO of Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Auseugaefa Va’asatia Poloma Komiti and Manager of the Public Utility Section Cam Wendt.

The Two Samoa meeting will begin at 10am with welcome remarks by both heads of government and end on Saturday at 12 noon with a joint statement on the outcome of the meeting.

“We have a full schedule and we’re ready to discuss the many important issues for both of our governments,” said Governor Togiola. “I wish to thank Prime Minister Tuilaepa Malielegaoi and the Samoa Government for hosting this year’s meeting. This great gathering is always conducted in the brotherly spirit of kinship of a people that have a common cultural bond and two governments. May our gathering be fruitful and in the best interest of our respective people. “

Governor Togiola and his delegation of department and agency heads and representatives will return to the Territory on Saturday afternoon.