Opportunities for residents of Samoa and American Samoa to study in educational institutions in either Apia or Pago Pago is being explored and could happen any time soon. 

This was confirmed by Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa during a press conference last Friday at the Taumeasina Island Resort at the conclusion of the Atoa o Samoa executive meeting between the leaders of the two Samoas. 

Fiame said there was a lot of emphasised and discussions on ways the two Governments can assist one another in improving their services in terms of health and educational sectors. 

She then emphasized that there is a need for the two countries to work hand-in-hand for the prosperity of citizens of Samoa and the U.S. territory.

"There was a lot of emphasis on education, especially in looking at ways students in American Samoa can enroll at the universities in Samoa," said the Prime Minister. "Not only that, but opportunities for students from Samoa to study in American Samoa. 

"For Samoa, there are a lot of opportunities here for the students in American Samoa. We have the National University of Samoa, vocational centers and the Samoa Campus [of The University of the South Pacific] which is a regional university. 

"The University of the South Pacific has been accredited in America which is a great option for the students from American Samoa and it's closer too."

Governor Lemanu Mauga shared similar sentiment on how they are keen to assist Samoa and work with the Government to provide educational opportunities for students. 

In the health sector, Fiame explained that from the discussions they've had, Samoa and the U.S. territory are facing similar challenges with the shortage of medical expertise, including doctors to provide services to the communities. 

At the conclusion of the Atoa o Samoa last Friday, the Prime Minister promised that the outcomes of the meeting would be distributed to the media for release. To date the Samoa Government is yet to release the outcomes document as promised.