New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters is expected to arrive in Samoa on Sunday for the country's 64th Independence celebrations, with the ongoing fuel crisis among the issues expected to be discussed with Samoan leaders.
In a statement, Vaovasamanaia said he would meet with Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs La’aulialemalietoa Polataivao Fosi Schmidt during his visit and use the opportunity to discuss the fuel crisis, New Zealand’s aid programme in Samoa and regional security.
“We look forward to joining Samoa in commemorating this important event. We highly value New Zealand’s warm and close friendship with Samoa,” Vaovasamanaia said.
The visit comes as Samoa continues to monitor fuel supply concerns. In April, the Disaster Advisory Committee (DAC) recommended the government move to an amber alert level, one step below the highest red alert, citing declining fuel reserves and the risk of supply disruptions.
Under the amber alert framework, fuel allocation plans would be prepared for critical sectors including electricity generation, water supply, health services, telecommunications and emergency services.
