Samoa High Commission

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa was among guests at the ceremony.

Chief Guest Fiji’s Prime Minister, Frank Bainimarama said, “Your new High Commission shows how serious Samoa is about building its friendship with Fiji and ramping up its regional engagement.”

“Fiji is the Pacific hub of trade, travel, telecommunications, and finance, and our capital is the one-stop-shop for all multilateral matters. In one trip to one city, our region’s leaders can make connections and coordinate engagement with each other and the world.”

In a statement, the high commission said it wants to try and minimize any negative impact of the lockdown on their students’ studies and their overall wellbeing.

A total of 84 Samoan students are registered at the two main universities – University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University.

Fiji has seen a resurgence in COVID-19 cases after 364 days since the last case was recorded in the community on 18 April 2020.

Fiji confirmed its first community case this year as a result of a breach in protocol at a Nadi quarantine facility.

Speaking at the opening of the office yesterday, Sen Fierravanti-Wells said the building is a symbol of the close partnership between the governments and peoples of Samoa and Australia.

“Of course, we are more than partners, we are friends,” she said.

“This opening is a celebration amongst friends – celebrating all that we have achieved together.”

She added that it is fitting that the complex has been completed in 2017 as September this year marks the 40th anniversary since the Australian High Commission first opened its doors in Samoa.

The building is funded by the Unit Trust of Samoa at a cost of $25 million.

The building currently housed by the Samoa's High Commission Office is over 85 years old and was bought by our Government from Britain's High Commission in 1977.

A feasible study by the CCM Architects in 2015 recommended a new home for the High Commissioner, according to a release from the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.