US hosts maritime boundaries talks with Samoa, Tonga, Niue

There have been positive and constructive outcomes from maritime discussions between delegates from Samoa, Tonga, Niue and the US in Washington.

The Samoan delegation was led by Attorney General, Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff.

"Samoa has the smallest Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific region. As members of the Cabinet appointed National Maritime Boundaries Committee for Samoa, we have an extremely important task with plenty of work ahead. This gathering was a positive step forward," said Lemalu. 

"We have now initialled and are ready to present our draft bilateral treaty with the Kingdom of Tonga, to Cabinet for their consideration and approval. The teams have agreed in principle only, subject as appropriate, to that final approval. The talks have ironed out details for it to now be given that final consideration."

On talks with the USA, Lemalu said, "information was formally exchanged and talks between Samoa and the USA Department of State also resulted in a positive open door for ongoing future discussions with them."

 A statement said the talks were facilitated by the Pacific Community (SPC) Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division.

Photo supplied. Caption: FRONT Delegation leaders - AG Lemalu Hermann Retzlaff (Samoa), Chief Secretary to Cabinet and Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Dr. Palenitina Langa'oi (Kingdom of Tonga); BACK (Samoa delegation) Constance Tafua Rivers Lesa, Matilda Bartley, Safuta Iulio, (Kingdom of Tonga delegation) Solicitor General Mr. Sione Sisifa, Deputy Secretary Mr. Taaniela Kula, Ministry of Land, Survey and Natural Resources.