20 Sep 2017

Samoa PM has talks with Indonesian minister in New York

3:27 pm on 20 September 2017

In a sign of closening ties between the two countries, Samoa's prime minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi has met with Indonesia's Foreign Minister in New York.

Samoa's prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

Samoa's prime minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo: RNZI / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Tuilaepa had talks with Retno Marsudi on the margins of the 72nd United Nations General Assembly which got underway this week.

The two countries recently forged a trade agreement, ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Apia, where Indonesia offered Samoa increased technical assistance.

According to Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms Marsudi, said Indonesia was ready to help Samoa facilitate technical and capacity-building training in information, communication and technology.

She also discussed building links in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and disaster management sectors.

Ms Marsudi is pushing for more interaction

between senior officials of both countries, to "further promote cooperation in various sectors, especially trade and investment".

Samoa's government ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries, and Communication, Information and Technology recently visited Jakarta.

She has also invited young Samoans to participate in the Indonesian Arts and Culture Scholarship programme

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi speaks to journalists at a press conference during the Democracy Forum VIII in Nusa Dua in 2015.

Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. Photo: AFP