The construction of the new American Samoa consulate began with the groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday morning in Moataa attended by government leaders.

The granting of the land for the U.S. territory's office to be built on is one of the outcomes of the Atoa o Samoa talks between the Samoa and the American Samoa governments at the Taumeasina Island Resort this year.

The leaders of the two Samoa Governments attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday morning, which will be followed by the official start of the Atoa o Samoa Talks between the two Samoas on Wednesday.

Making her remarks at the ceremony, Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa said that the groundbreaking ceremony highlights the importance of the discussions between the two governments.

She added that part of the deal to give the State-owned land to American Samoa is to reciprocate the gifting of land in Tafuna for a Samoan consulate to be built in Pago Pago. 

"The Atoa o Samoa talks have become fruitful and successful with how it was carried out, having the talks twice a year and now the launching of this significant ceremony showcases the successful results of the meetings and its' essence in highlighting our strengthened relationship between the two Samoas," she said. "We also thank the American Samoa government for also approving a land in Tafuna for the Samoa Government's office to be located on that side of the bargain.

"The goal is, although we are different in governments, we can never take away our roots and bonds which were founded by our ancestors who have passed on.

"It is my and our Government's high hopes that may the Atoa o Samoa Talks be a pathway for us to work together and negotiate and discuss the betterment of both Samoas.

"I believe that this meeting will be of great impact to guide us going forward, especially with our response towards challenges which can easily affect our small island nations and our economy's development, livelihoods and safety of our people. Today builds a firm future for tomorrow."

The Governor of American Samoa, Lemanu peleti Mauga echoed the Prime Minister's remarks, saying it's another one of the Atoa o Samoa Talks successful results which aims at developing the two Samoas and their people.

"It's a plan for Samoa but not just Samoa," he said. "It's a plan for its people but not just for eastern Samoa or the western Samoa.

"Without an office (here), it would not be worthwhile going back and forth as without a home, then there would be no place to go back to in this life."

The Governor also thanked the Government of Samoa for actioning the initiative and stressed that this has strengthened the bond between the two Samoas.

Meanwhile, American Samoa's new consulate will be built following the official groundbreaking breaking ceremony at the land Samoa Government-owned land. 

The President of the Methodist Church of Samoa, Reverend Faulalo Leti Paaga led the ceremony with a prayer backed by soul-soothing songs performed by his choir, the Ofisa in Faleula choir.

Fiame, Lemanu, Deputy Head of State Le Mamea Ropati, Rev. Leti, Deputy Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua, and three senior officials from American Samoa witnessed and participated in the groundbreaking ceremony to declare the works open for the new American Samoa consulate office to be constructed.