The Governments of Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand welcome 2022 commemorating the
60 year of formal diplomatic relations between our two countries.

This year, 2022 also marks the 60 Anniversary of Samoa’s independence from Aotearoa
New Zealand and the signing of the Treaty of Friendship. This special occasion will be celebrated
with a number of events observing the warm relations that our two countries value and enjoy.

The Treaty of Friendship was signed on 1 August 1962 and is representative of the unique
relationship between Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand. It is an agreement that emphasises the
closeness of the relationship and is underpinned by “friendship, confidence, and a mutual
endeavour to obtain for their peoples fuller opportunities for social progress”. The strong bonds
are also reinforced by people-to-people relationships and the more than 180,000 New
Zealanders of Samoan heritage.

The Governments of Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand attach great importance to shared
history on which the relationship between the two countries was founded and developed, and
look forward to further advancing this relationship into the future.