Lau Susuga I le taitai o le Sauniga,
Excellency, Dr. Trevor Matheson – New Zealand High Commissioner to
Samoa,
Honorable Ministers of Cabinet,
Associate Minister’s,
Ladies & Gentlemen

It is my pleasure to welcome you today, to witness the handover of a
new Airport Identification Card System, kindly donated by the
Government and People of New Zealand, funded through the Pacific
Security Fund.
On behalf of the Government of Samoa, I am delighted to accept this
gift and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of New
Zealand, for its continuing support, to ensure that regional aviation
activities are provided with the highest regard of safety and security.
Today, I am proud, to state that Samoa is the first recipient of the 9
countries earmarked for this new technology airport identity card project
that is being delivered by the NZ Civil Aviation Authority at a cost of
SAT$50,000.
The value of this new asset to our aviation system is endless, as it
reinforces and ensures Samoa’s satisfaction of international security
requirements under ICAO Annex 17, that are currently implemented by
the Samoa Airport Authority.
With the visit of Prime Minister Ardern last week, to mark the 60 th year
of ‘Uo Mamae’ or ‘Life Long Friends’, the donation today, is another
milestone of New Zealand’s commitment to the strengthening of
regional security.
In addition to today’s event, I have been reliably informed, and can
announce a multi-million Tala commitment by New Zealand, to further
enhance border security through the providing and installation of new
age 3-Dimensionsial Computed Tomography (CT) technology x-ray
scanning equipment for our airports in the next 12 months.
I can only express our greatest appreciation of the timely arrival of this
new equipment, looking ahead of the hosting, by Samoa of the
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, in 2024.

Finally, I wish to note and acknowledge the tireless efforts of Mr. Athol
Glover of CAANZ, in completing this and many other projects
successfully. Your commitment and dedication is appreciated and we
look forward to your continued support for Samoa and the Pacific
region.
May we continue to work together in the true spirit of trust and
friendship, as Uo Mamae!
Faamanuia le Atua! God Bless!
Soifua ma ia Manuia!