These are some of the issues raised during deliberations between the two governments during the last four Atoa o Samoa meetings which aims to strengthen cooperation in crucial areas such as fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture, and capacity building. 

"The exchange, a key fulfillment of the anticipated outcomes of the Atoa-o-Samoa Meeting, emphasizes the commitment of both nations to work hand in hand for the betterment of their communities," a statement from the American Samoa government reads.

The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, La'auli Leuatea Schmidt and his Associate Minister, Maiava Fuimaono Asafo led the delegation from Samoa and were welcomed by the Governor of American Samoa, Lemanu Peleti Mauga. 

There was an official ava ceremony to welcome the delegation from Samoa where Governor Lemanu also expressed his gratitude for the sustained collaboration between the two countries. 

"One of the primary objectives of this exchange is to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and the building of capacity," Governor Lemanu said during his remarks at the welcoming ceremony on Tuesday. 

"The outcomes from the Atoa o Samoa meeting play a crucial role in our continuous endeavors to cultivate a sustainable environment and foster a healthy lifestyle in our communities. I extend my sincere thanks to the Prime Minister of Samoa, Honorable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, and the Government of Samoa for fulfilling their commitments as discussed in the preceding Atoa o Samoa meetings."

The Governor also expressed gratitude to the American Samoa Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources, the Department of Agriculture, and the Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for their invaluable contributions to the collaborative efforts.

La'auli spoke on behalf of the government of Samoa on the significance of partnership and working together. 

"We are committed to a mutual sharing of resources, demonstrating our dedication to collaborative efforts," La'auli said. 

"It's crucial to prepare for challenging times, especially given the uncertainty of shipping interruptions. Our goal is to be well-prepared, and we have dedicated staff ready to provide training and assistance to the team in American Samoa."

The representatives from the two governments will undergo two-weeks training and workshops to facilitate the successful development of this new project. 

The exchange program aligns with the broader vision of the Atoa-o-Samoa Meeting, emphasising the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing shared challenges.