Apia, 3 August 2022 (TDI): In honor of the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern traveled to Samoa this week.
A group of Parliamentarians, Samoan community leaders, and Kiwi representatives joined Ardern in Samoa. The 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship is a significant occasion for New Zealand.
PM @jacindaardern and a delegation of MP’s, Samoan community leaders, and iwi representatives were in #Samoa this week to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship between 🇳🇿 & 🇼🇸, a milestone occasion for NZ. O le foga’va’a e tasi. #OneFamily #HeWakaEkeNoa pic.twitter.com/vHjkUCHJbO
— New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (@MFATNZ) August 3, 2022
Independence of Samoa and Treaty of Friendship
Samoa was governed by New Zealand since 1920. New Zealand led many developments in Samoa but discouraged the traditional and cultural practices.
The Mau a Tumua ma Pule resistance movement emerged against New Zealand’s rule. New Zealand took several steps to end the movement which included imprisoning and exiling prominent Mau supporters.
The unrest intensified and the contested Samoan Offenders Ordinance was abolished, and the Mau was encouraged to take an active role in Samoan politics.
Samoa became the first country in the Pacific to achieve independence in 1962. A Treaty of Friendship was signed between New Zealand and the newly elected Samoan government in 1962.
Both states promised that the two countries’ relations would be characterized by a spirit of close friendship. They would cooperate to improve the prosperity of the Samoan people. The Treaty continues to serve as a guide for the future of both states.
60th anniversary of the Treaty of Friendship
Ardern with her group arrived after Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mata’afa of Samoa’s travel to New Zealand in June. It was her first formal international tour since taking office a year ago.
The border in Samoa is now completely open. So, it is the first international group to land there on August 1, 2022, without being kept in quarantine since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Jacinda Ardern said, “It is an honor to be invited to Samoa to celebrate the friendship and strong partnership our countries have enjoyed over the past 60 years.”
She added, “I think it speaks to the fact that this is a relationship that is not based on political party, it’s based on two countries’ history and commitment to one another.”
To discuss topics including climate change and Covid-19 recovery in the region, they had a bilateral discussion with Ardern and Prime Minister Fiam Naomi Mata’afa and a Cabinet meeting with the entire group.
The relationship between the two countries had not always been smooth. Ardern admitted that there were certain things that happened for which the New Zealand administration had already apologized.
The Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa is unique and developed a relationship between the two countries. People appreciate how the relationship between both states has developed.
They not only acknowledge the wounds that the past created but also look forward to future partnerships. The treaty provides a chance to discuss the shared priorities of both states.
New Zealand has already stated that they want to enhance the assistance within the area for programs that will support the whole region’s resilience such as in climate change. That is a top priority for Samoa’s administration as well.
As the borders have been open since the outbreak, Ardern announced that New Zealand will be considering restarting educational, scholarship, and skills exchange with Samoa.
Student of BS International Relations in Kinnaird College for Women. Currently, working in 'TDI' as a contributor.
