Bilateral talks

During her trip, Mahuta visited the National University of Samoa.

Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mataafa hosted a luncheon in honor of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of NZ and her delegation at RLS Museum, Vailima on Friday.

According to Fiame, Minister Mahuta's visit occurred towards the conclusion of a year-long celebration of Samoa's 60th Independence Anniversary.

Fiamē is in Australia on her first bilateral visit as Samoa’s leader.

A joint statement said the Prime Ministers’ bilateral talks reflected the longstanding relationship between Australia and Samoa, underpinned by mutual respect and trust.

The Prime Ministers affirmed their strong partnership and commitment to work together on shared challenges and priorities to support a stable, prosperous and resilient Pacific region.

The two leaders during their first meeting, discussed key areas of cooperation to further advance Fiji and Cook Island’s bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Rabuka emphasized that Fiji places great importance on its relations with the Cook Islands as Pacific Island Developing States and stewards of large maritime spaces.

He adds that the bilateral relations have grown over the years, through collective participation and advocacy in regional and at international forums.

Bainimarama welcomed Prime Minister Mataʻafa who is on her first official visit to Fiji, and reaffirmed the nation's commitment to work closely with Samoa in advancing regional solidarity.

He commended the Government of Samoa for the establishment of the new Samoa High Commission in Suva, which was officially opened last evening.

Bainimarama said it signifies the strengthened relations of the two nations, and the unwavering commitment to build stronger partnership for the development of our Pacific region.

In the meeting, Minister Retno stated some areas of bilateral cooperation that can be improved, among others agriculture, fishery, tourism and natural disasters management.

Both Foreign Ministers also discussed about capacity building cooperation in the field of information, communication and technology.

"Indonesia is ready to assist Samoa by facilitating various technical trainings and capacity building in the field of information, communication and technology," said Retno in a statement released by the Indonesia  Ministry of Foreign Affairs.