The maritime security of Samoa will be further boosted with the arrival of a new Australian Government-funded patrol boat.

The Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Sara Moriarty, made the announcement at her residence last Friday when Samoan Government leaders and the diplomatic community joined her to celebrate Australia Day.

Australia and Samoa will continue to enhance security and cooperation across defense, policing and cyber security, added Ms. Moriarty. 

“We will continue to enhance our security cooperation across defense, policing and cyber security. 

“Under the Pacific Maritime Security Programme, Samoa will this year receive the Nafanua II – a bigger, more capable patrol boat – to enhance Samoa’s capacity to secure its ocean resources and maritime domain.

“And a steady flow of Samoans and Australians will travel in both directions across the South Pacific Ocean in pursuit of political, business church, sporting and educational endeavors – or simply to visit family and friends, and enjoy the beautiful beaches and landscapes that both our countries are blessed with,” she added.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi said Samoa and Australia will continue to build on and strengthen their bilateral relations.

“We are gathered here once again to celebrate Australia Day and to reflect on ways by – which we can continue to build on and strengthen our bilateral relations – that are underpinned by development and security programmes.

“And strong people to people links, these connections have helped to enhance and deepen our understanding of each other and strengthen our relationship to our mutual benefit. 

“We will also be receiving a bigger and more technologically advanced patrol boat as well as beginning operations of one of the maritime,” he said. 

The Prime Minister added that the patrol boat will cover Samoa’s Pacific neighborhood, which he said are missions to enhance the security of its ocean resources. 

The Guardian-class Pacific Patrol Boat program will see 21 vessels being gifted by Australia to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor Leste as part of the Australian Government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program.