Climate Change, Regional Security, Sustainable use of Ocean Priority for PM Tuilaepa at Upcoming Meet
Samoa’s immediate respond to the terrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch earlier this year will be remembered for ever, says New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Speaking at the official reception at the weekend hosted for her and delegation en-route to Tokelau, Ms Ardern recalled the Christchurch tragedy and acknowledged Samoa’s response at a time of grief for her country.
“New Zealand very recently suffered the most terrifying terrorist attack in Christchurch the day that it will be remembered in the New Zealand history forever,” said Prime Minister Ardern.
“And on that day, it was our friends who reached out to us immediately offering their support including his Highness, (Samoa’s Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II) attending the National Remembrance ceremony in Christchurch.
“It means everything for us to be able to talk face to face with one another but also to be there to support one another in our greatest moment of grief.
“And to Samoa, I acknowledge
you, (Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi) for that.” Tuilaepa responded: “Allow me to also congratulate New Zealand on the successful presentation of your first Voluntary National Review Report on the implementation of the SDG.
“Climate change, regional security, sustainable use of our ocean and its resources are amongst key priority matters which I look forward to discuss further when the Forum Leaders meet in Tuvalu next month.”
Tuilaepa added that he is delighted to note that Prime Minister Ardern, visited the completed Apia Waterfront Project; and seen firsthand the landscape upgrade of the town area.
“Through the timely support of New Zealand, that Events Space Centre in front of the Government Building was the food, crafts and cultural entertainment Centre for the two weeks of the Pacific Games drawing crowds to Apia.” Despite the uninvited sporadic rain, it did not prevent Prime Minister Ardern and her delegation accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa, Fiame Naomi Mataafa to tour the two projects funded by New Zealand grants. Later the New Zealand leader with Deputy Prime Minister Fiame jointly launched the Conservation Strategy to save national bird Manumea.
“…we are dedicated and committed to making sure that we perform our role as guidance of those species that are native to New Zealand and called New Zealand home in the same way you are doing here with the Manumea,” said Ms Ardern at the unveiling of the ‘Save the Manumea Mural” painted on the New Zealand High Commission wall.