The Head of State for the Independent State of Samoa, His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano Va'aletoa Sualauvi and his Masiofo are in American Samoa for the commemoration of the territory's flag day this week. 

They are accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio who will be representing the Prime Minister and Cabinet as well as the government of Samoa. 

The American Samoa official flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday (Tuesday local time). 

Prior to the official programme and formalities on Monday 17 of April, there were other programmes held last week and during the weekend with a fautasi race on Saturday (Sunday local time), the Flag Day Sunday Service on Sunday followed by a State dinner at Tradewinds Pavillion, Tafuna on Sunday evening (Monday local time) for the special guests to the celebration. 

The American Samoa Government is commemorating its 123rd American Samoa Flag Day this year. 

While His Highness Tuimaleali'ifano and Deputy Prime Minister Tuala are in American Samoa, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and her delegation who attended the Atoa o Samoa Executive Meeting last week are now back in the country. 

Fiame during a press conference over a week ago told the media that she was also invited to the American Samoa flag this week. 

"The policy we have currently is that the Head of State and the Prime Minister can travel to accept the invitation and attend the flag day for American Samoa," Fiame said. 

"However, I think it's more convenient that if the Head of State is able to attend to represent the Government of Samoa, then the Prime Minister does not have to travel as well. 

"We can assign a Cabinet Minister to accompany the Head of State but I feel like it's more appropriate that if the Head of State is going, there is no need for the Prime Minister to travel as well.

"But if His Highness is not able to attend, then the Prime Minister can travel on behalf of the Government of Samoa to make things easier for the host nation.

"I understand the Head of State had been in Fiji carrying out his duties as the Chancellor of the regional university, and we will discuss with him whether he will be available to travel over to American Samoa for the celebration of their flag day or not."