28 Jun 2014

Inter-Samoa talks ends with land swap

6:41 am on 28 June 2014

The Inter-Samoa talks has ended with a land swap between the neighbours to set up their diplomatic offices.

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, and American Samoa's Lieutinent Governor Lemanu Peleti Mauga signed the land lease in which Samoa will use one acre block of land in American Samoa for its Consular office.

The American Samoa government will also use land in Samoa for its administration office to deal with immigration matters and other diplomatic issues.

Tuila'epa says the exchange of land was previously done between his administration and former American Samoa Governor Togiola Tulafono, but the change of government in the Territory delayed the process.

Meanwhile the issue of waving the 14 day permit for business travels, as well as urgent trips from Samoa to American Samoa has been delayed.

Tuila'epa says the American Samoa administration needs more time to consider it to make sure no US Federal law requirements would be affected before it happens.

Samoa's counterpart also proposed for the independent state to waive its immigration fees imposed on travelers from the Territory.