New prime minister

In a congratulatory letter, Fiame said Rabuka’s election as leader of the multi-party coalition demonstrates the confidence and trust of the people in his deep-rooted leadership.

Fiame adds she looks forward to working closely with Rabuka to further enhance and strengthen the friendship, cooperation and partnership between the two countries as well as advancing regionalism in our Blue Pacific continent through the 2050 Strategy.

Rabuka was elected Prime Minister following a secret ballot in Parliament last Saturday.

PM Brown said he wrote to his Samoan counterpart “as soon it was confirmed” that the Court of Appeal had issued a ruling in favour of Mata’afa and her FAST Party.

The ruling has ended a stalemate with former PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who refused to step down after his HRPP Party lost national elections held in April.