Samoa celebrates 55 years of independence today with the New Zealand Prime Minister, Bill English and other overseas dignitaries in attendance.
Samoa's Head of State Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi inspecting the Police Guard of Honour Photo: RNZ Pacific/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
It's the second year the Pacific nation has not held the celebration at Tiafau, the traditional grounds or malae, because of the construction work being done on the new Parliament house.
The head of state, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, in his independence address, called for the country to work together with the government to build a strong economy.
"Today we've seen an increase in the production of local produce some of which are being sold in our local market but a significant amount are also being exported internationally, especially to New Zealand and Australia. Returning to the land and working it productively as families and villages is not only economically lucrative, it is also culturally lucrative," he said.
Samoa gained independence from New Zealand in January 1962.
New Zealand PM Bill English and his wife, Mary English, standing next to Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele.Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific/Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
