American Samoa has been authorised to participate in the work of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
The United States Department will, however, remain the sole voice in negotiating international agreements for American Samoa regarding fisheries and ocean boundary issues.
The move is part of an agreement signed two weeks ago between American Samoa and the State Department.
In addition, the State Department expects American Samoa's representatives to the Commission meetings to continue to operate in close co-ordination with the US, and not take or express views that run counter to the United States' position on issues affecting the interest of the United States.
