Samoa Police, Prisons and Corrections Services have held informal discussions with the Fiji Police Force for assistance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting next year.

Acting Commissioner Juki Fong Chew of the Fiji Police Force flew into the country last Wednesday and held discussions with his counterpart, Commissioner Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo, along with the Deputy Commissioner for Prisons Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, the Deputy Commissioner for National Operations Lafaitele Herbert Aati, and the Acting Deputy Commissioner for District Operations Papali’i Efo Moalele.

Members of the Fiji Police have been attached to the Samoa Police in training police officers in Samoa not only for CHOGM but for everyday policing work.

During the meeting, Commissioner Auapa'au expressed gratitude to Acting Commissioner Fong Chew for accepting the invitation to travel to Samoa.

In addition, Auapa'au extended his sincere gratitude to Acting Commissioner Fong Chew for providing the Samoa Police with the Motorcyclist and Defencive Driving Training Course as well as ongoing support for providing a pathologist to Samoa.

Acting Commissioner Chew expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the Samoa Police.

"Thank you Commissioner for the invitation to the Fiji Police Force, this is my first time in Samoa,” he said.

In addition to his remarks, Acting Commissioner Chew reiterated the significance of working together.

"We're still working together to achieve all our goals here in Samoa, Fiji, and in the Pacific,” Mr Chew said.

"We are interconnected by the sea, and we must protect it so that our world, us, and the people we serve can live in peace. It is imperative that we work together as we uplift our police forces within our own countries to achieve the best possible results, so that we may serve the community at hand."

Mr. Chew conveyed to Commissioner Auapa'au their support in preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference next year.

Next year Samoa will become the first Pacific Island nation to host the CHOGM. This is a major event which requires huge logistical effort from the part of the Samoa Police.

If the Fiji Police Force agrees to provide police personnel for this event, then numbers of the security personnel on the ground could be boosted.