The following is attributable to spokesperson Ned Price:
Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman met with Samoan Prime Minister Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa today in Apia to discuss shared priorities for the Pacific region. Deputy Secretary Sherman and Prime Minister Fiame discussed bilateral cooperation to address climate change and other Pacific challenges. The Deputy Secretary emphasized the United States’ support for a strong and united Pacific Islands Forum to address Pacific resilience and economic recovery from COVID-19, as well as increasing regional capacity to address future health security threats, among other issues. The Deputy Secretary also reiterated the United States’ commitment to continue our greater involvement in the region and advance the US-Samoan partnership. The Deputy Secretary conveyed the United States’ strong support for Samoa’s efforts to help its people during COVID-19.
