Samoa and New Zealand commemorated 60 years of friendship with a reception New Zealand's High Commissioner to Samoa hosted at his residence on Monday evening.

Guests at the reception included Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, members of the Diplomatic corps, senior Samoa Government officials, media representatives and members of the business community as well as notable Apia residents. 

New Zealand's High Commissioner to Samoa, Dr. Trevor Matheson said they are thankful for their blessings to gather in a COVID-19 free environment in a land free of armed conflict, where democratic constitutional principles and the rule of law prevail and traditions and customs are respected and valued.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are at the same time with the brave people of Ukraine and to peace loving Russians as we pray for an immediate cessation to Russian hostilities and a peaceful resolution of the current conflict in Ukraine," he said.

 "This year 2022 marks the 60^th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between Aotearoa New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa.  

"It is also the 60^th anniversary of the signing on 1 August 1962 of the Treaty of Friendship between our two countries."

 Dr. Matheson added that the Treaty of Friendship is representative of the unique relationship between Samoa and Aotearoa New Zealand. 

"It is an agreement that emphasises the closeness of the relationship and is underpinned by 'friendship, confidence, and a mutual endeavour to obtain for their peoples fuller opportunities for social progress," he said.

"The strong bonds are also reinforced by sincere people-to-people relationships and the more than 180,000 New Zealanders of Samoan heritage.

 "I want to acknowledge our shared history and pay respect and tribute to those who went before us, who over the past six decades have built a unique bilateral partnership that is collaborative, complementary and tolerant.

"Based on their vision, passion and vigour we have a bilateral diplomatic relationship today that is mutually respectful, trusting and enduring."

Dr. Matheson told the guests that the 60th anniversary year will be marked in various ways throughout the year, but subject to the border reopening and the COVID-19 status of the country.  

"We have some exciting events and high level visits in both directions to announce in due course, updates and other news will appear regularly on the High Commission’s website, Instagram and Facebook pages and in media statements so watch this space and keep in touch," he said.

 "The diplomatic bonds between Aotearoa New Zealand and Samoa have evolved significantly over the past 60 years and I am confident that our unique friendship will continue to expand and deepen.  

"In so many ways, Samoa is like a beacon of stability in the middle of the Pacific."

In her address on the night, Fiame said six decades was a long time to build relations, resulting in deep people to people ties as well as strong cultural and sports connections between the two countries.

"I would also like to take a moment to appreciate how fortunate we are to be living in an environment of relative peace, stability and security," she said.

The Prime Minister said that 2022 is a significant milestone year for Samoa as the country celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence as well as commemorate 60 years of an association of life long friends under the Treaty of Friendship.

"The treaty reflects and confirms the special and close relations that exist between our two countries," she said.

Fiame said that New Zealand has been steadfast in its support throughout the times when Samoa suffered from natural disasters throughout the climate crisis and now the pandemic. 

The Prime Minister added that Samoa's fight against COVID-19 has been made possible through the generosity of donor partners which include New Zealand.