Foreign Minister Lin meets with delegation led by Mayor Zdanowska of Polish city of Łódź
Date：2025-06-05
Data Source：Department of European Affairs
June 5, 2025
No. 196
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on the morning of June 4 met with a delegation led by Hanna Zdanowska, Mayor of Łódź, Poland. The six-member delegation also included Łódź University of Technology Rector Krzysztof Jóźwik, Łódź City Councilors Beata Bilska and Maciej Rakowski, and Łódź city government officials. The two sides engaged in an in-depth exchange of opinions regarding Taiwan-Poland interactions on economics and trade, culture, and academic and city affairs.
During the meeting, Minister Lin began by once again welcoming Mayor Zdanowska to Taiwan and thanking her for the warm reception extended to him during his visit to Łódź in November 2024. Noting that city-to-city diplomacy played an important role in Taiwan’s overall external relations, Minister Lin said he was delighted that the delegation would be meeting with Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che to formally conclude a sister-city agreement. He said that Tainan and Łódź had many things in common and that he looked forward to the two cities continuing to deepen substantive cooperation, further expanding mutual interactions and exchanges in a range of areas, and developing a mutually beneficial partnership.
Mayor Zdanowska said that Łódź, a city with a long history at the heart of Poland, enjoyed convenient transport links, a rich cultural heritage, and a solid industrial foundation. Remarking that the development of special economic zones and road and airport infrastructure had much improved the city’s economic prospects in recent years, she said she hoped that Taiwanese industries would work with Łódź to generate mutual prosperity. Mayor Zdanowska also stated that Łódź had recently been active in developing its film and television and arts and cultural industries, and said she believed there was room for collaboration with related sectors in Taiwan.
Taiwan and Poland share such values as freedom and democracy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to promote close cooperation between Taiwan and Poland and seek to deepen their resilient partnership so as to create enduring prosperity and well-being for the peoples on both sides. (E)
Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome dinner to mark state visit by Marshall Islands President Heine
Date：2025-06-04
Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs
June 4, 2025No.193Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a dinner on June 3 to mark a state visit by President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Minister Lin conveyed a warm welcome on behalf of the government of Taiwan and thanked the Marshall Islands for firmly backing Taiwan’s international participation. He said that Taiwan hoped to build upon the solid foundation of cooperation with the Marshall Islands to continue to advance the bilateral partnership and advance development in all areas.In his remarks, Minister Lin stated that in the 27 years since diplomatic relations were established, Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had seen fruitful results from cooperation in many areas, which demonstrated that ties were close and friendly. During President Heine’s state visit, the two sides had signed the Letter of Intent on Sports Exchange and Cooperation, the Memorandum of Understanding on the ROC (Taiwan)-RMI Presidents’ Scholarship, and an agreement on enhancing cooperation in air travel as ways of strengthening the bilateral partnership. Minister Lin further emphasized that since taking office, he had overseen implementation of the integrated diplomacy policy, the three pillars of which were values-based diplomacy, alliance diplomacy, and economic and trade diplomacy. He had also promoted the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, under which Taiwan would continue to assist the Marshall Islands in realizing sustainable economic development based on the Taiwan model.In her remarks, President Heine said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands had cooperated closely in such key sectors as medical care, education, agriculture, and climate change adaptation. This, she declared, had profoundly enhanced the welfare of the people of the Marshall Islands and contributed to national development. She further recognized that her state visit served as a milestone in improving bilateral relations. She particularly thanked Taiwan for providing scholarships, which had helped the Marshall Islands nurture professional talent and train medical personnel and which had greatly benefited the Marshallese people and boosted momentum for the nation’s economic development. President Heine reiterated that diplomatic ties between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands were grounded in shared democratic values. As Taiwan’s steadfast friend and ally, the Marshall Islands would, she pledged, continue to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations and work with Taiwan to facilitate peace, prosperity, and development in both nations.Among other attendees at the dinner were Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi; International Cooperation and Development Fund Secretary General Huang Yu-lin; Sports Administration Deputy Director-General Fang Jui-wen; Fisheries Agency Deputy Director-General Lin Ding-rong; and Shuang-Ho Hospital Vice Superintendent Chan Lung. At the conclusion of the banquet, members of the Marshallese delegation sang traditional folk songs, demonstrating their Austronesian cultural heritage. Minister Lin and the Taiwanese attendees also joined in. The atmosphere of the event was warm and cordial. (E)
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
HKSAR Government opposes slanderous remarks by foreign countries and anti-China organisations on case of Joshua Wong Chi-fung “The HKSAR Government will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’.” Issued at HKT 21:51
The Government welcomed the passage of the Housing (Amendment) Bill 2025, which seeks to combat tenancy abuse more effectively and thus ensure the prudent use of public housing resources, by the Legislative Council today.
The series of measures includes introducing new offences of serious tenancy abuse of public rental housing (PRH) flats; empowering authorised officers to demand personal details from suspects; and extending the limitation of time for prosecution of offences of false statements, refusal to furnish information and unlawful alienations.
Meanwhile, the amendment ordinance also empowers the Director of Housing to specify the forms for the fixed penalty notice and demand notice to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of the Housing Authority (HA) in combating unauthorised use of roads within housing estates.
Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho said public housing is a precious social resource that must be allocated to those in genuine need and utilised in a reasonable manner.
She noted that the series of measures to be implemented under the amendment ordinance reflects the Government’s determination to combat abuse of PRH flats. The HA will continue to enhance its policies to ensure that public housing resources are focused on helping those in greatest need.
The legislation as passed will be published in a gazette on June 20. The amendment empowering the Director of Housing to specify the forms of notices will come into operation upon gazettal. The other three new measures will take effect from March 31, 2026, onwards.
The HA will step up publicity efforts to ensure that PRH tenants and members of the public understand the contents of the new package of measures in combating PRH abuse, the Government added.
The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP), in collaboration with Guangdong and Macau’s health authorities, today conducted a public health exercise to enhance the capacity of the three places to co-operate in preventing and controlling communicable diseases during major sports events.
The exercise was held in preparation for the 15th National Games (15th NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau this November and December.
The exercise simulated a scenario in which two players participating in the 15th NG basketball competition in Hong Kong were diagnosed with meningococcal infection while they were in the city. An epidemiological investigation revealed that some of their close contacts had already departed Hong Kong for Shenzhen and Macau.
In accordance with the established mechanism, Hong Kong immediately notified the health authorities of Guangdong and Macau. The three places’ health authorities promptly traced the cases and implemented appropriate infection control measures to prevent the spread of the communicable disease.
During the exercise, the CHP, together with the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control & Prevention Administration, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention as well as Macau’s Health Bureau conducted a drill and exchanged views on communicable disease surveillance, prevention, control and notification mechanisms during the 15th NG, and 12th NGD and 9th NSOG via a video conference.
More than 30 officers from the three places’ health authorities participated in the exercise.
Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam gave a speech before the exercise started, noting that the 15th NG, and NGD and NSOG are the largest and highest-level national multisport events in the country.
Dr Lam said: “It is of great strategic significance for the health authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to jointly organise this exercise on communicable disease prevention and control at the countdown stage of the opening of the games.
“Through the simulation, we hope to achieve three major objectives: to strengthen the joint prevention mechanism of the three places; to build a solid risk identification defense; and to consolidate the foundation of event protection. This will allow the top athletes in the country to demonstrate the country’s sports prowess under a ‘zero significant outbreak, zero cross-infections’ condition, and showcase the country’s excellence in public health governance to the world.”
Dr Lam added that as Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau are geographically and culturally connected, only through close collaboration can the three centres cope with major public health challenges.
Apart from the health authorities of the three places, representatives from the Medical & Health Office of the Comprehensive Security Department of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committees for the 15th NG, NGD and NSOG, National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) as well as Hong Kong’s Auxiliary Medical Service, Fire Services Department and Hospital Authority also sent their staff to observe the exercise.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao hold public health exercise in preparation for hosting 15th NG, NGD and NSOG Issued at HKT 18:35
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, in collaboration with the health authorities of Guangdong Province and Macao, today (June 11) conducted a public health exercise, code-named “Jingfeng”, to enhance the capacity of the three places to co-operate in preventing and controlling communicable diseases during major sports events. The exercise was held in preparation for the 15th National Games (15th NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao this November and December.
The exercise simulated a scenario in which two players participating in the 15th NG basketball competition in Hong Kong were diagnosed with meningococcal infection while they were in the city. An epidemiological investigation revealed that some of their close contacts had already departed Hong Kong for Shenzhen and Macao respectively. In accordance with the established mechanism, Hong Kong immediately notified the health authorities of Guangdong and Macao. The health authorities of the three places promptly traced the cases and implemented appropriate infection control measures to prevent the spread of the communicable disease.
During the exercise, the CHP, together with the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Bureau of Macao conducted a drill and exchanged views on communicable disease surveillance, prevention, control and notification mechanisms during the 15th NG, and 12th NGD and 9th NSOG via a video conference. More than 30 officers from the health authorities of the three places participated in the exercise.
Before the commencement of the exercise, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, gave a speech. “The 15th NG, and NGD and NSOG are the largest and highest-level national multisport events in the country. It is of great strategic significance for the health authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to jointly organise this exercise on communicable disease prevention and control at the countdown stage of the opening of the Games. Through the simulation, we hope to achieve three major objectives: to strengthen the joint prevention mechanism of the three places; to build a solid risk identification defense; and to consolidate the foundation of event protection. This will allow the top athletes in the country to demonstrate the country’s sports prowess under a ‘zero significant outbreak, zero cross-infections’ condition, and showcase the country’s excellence in public health governance to the world,” he said.
Dr Lam added that since its establishment, the CHP has organised a total of 32 emergency response exercises and drills, simulating human cases of avian influenza, measles, plagues and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. As Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are geographically and culturally connected, only through close collaboration can the three centres cope with major public health challenges. In the future, the three places will continue to strengthen joint efforts in the prevention and control of communicable diseases. They will maintain communication and collaboration on aspects such as the prevention and control of communicable diseases, and the development of the public health system, with a view to enhancing global health safety standards. They will also fulfil the tripartite co-operation agreement on public health emergencies and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Health Cooperation Consensus.
Apart from the health authorities of the three places, representatives from the Medical and Health Office of the Comprehensive Security Department of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committees for the 15th NG, NGD and NSOG, National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Fire Services Department and the Hospital Authority have also sent their staff to observe the exercise.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Castle Peak Hospital missing patient foundIssued at HKT 14:55
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Castle Peak Hospital made the following update today (June 11) regarding a patient leaving the hospital without notification earlier: The 43-year-old female patient who left the hospital without notification yesterday (June 10) has returned to the hospital this morning and is in stable condition.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Following is a question by the Hon Yim Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):
Question:
It has been reported that the Government will announce the details of Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles within this year, and only non-commercial small passenger vehicles will be allowed to apply under the first phase of implementation. Some members of the logistics and transport industries expect the Government to make good use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and take the opportunity of implementing Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles to enhance the relevant policy on Guangdong/Hong Kong cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles, so as to further consolidate Hong Kong’s role as the prominent hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to drive the development of the Hong Kong International Airport (the airport), container terminals, and the entire logistics industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(1) whether the Government will, in the course of formulating the policy on Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles, discuss with the Mainland authorities the enhancement of the relevant policy on cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles (including the quota system coordinated by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong), so as to facilitate cross-boundary goods vehicles in travelling between the Mainland and Hong Kong; if so, of the details, including the expected time of announcing the relevant policy;
(2) whether the Government will enhance the application process for southbound cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles or introduce new measures, e.g. making reference to the existing system of “closed road permits” while streamlining the application process therein, such that a certain number of Mainland goods vehicles will be allowed to reach designated major cargo hubs in Hong Kong (including the cargo terminals of the airport and container terminals) directly via designated routes; and
(3) whether the Government will make reference to the experience of other places (e.g. the “Green Card system” (a kind of cross-border motor insurance card system) in Europe) and promote a mutual recognition mechanism for motor insurance among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, so as to achieve “one insurance policy for all”?
Reply:
President,
The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) attaches great importance to the development of modern logistics, and is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international smart logistics hub. To this end, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development in 2023, which proposed to enhance Hong Kong’s role as the gateway and key transshipment hub for cargoes to and from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by improving multimodal transport. In particular, cross-boundary land freight transport is a major mode of freight transport between Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA, as well as an important component of the “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system between Hong Kong and the Mainland. On the other hand, cross-boundary goods vehicles are also a major means for transporting daily supplies and are of crucial importance to the livelihood of Hong Kong people. Hence, the TLB has always placed strong emphasis on improving cross-boundary land freight transport arrangements. In handling matters related to cross-boundary goods vehicles, the TLB always adheres to the policy principle of “maintaining capacity and stability” and takes into account the views of different stakeholders, so as to ensure smooth operation and adequate capacity of cross-boundary land freight transport, thereby providing staunch support for strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub.
Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the Transport Department (TD), our reply to various parts of the Hon Yim’s question is as follows:
(1) and (2) Cross-boundary goods vehicles are subject to the regulation of the quota system which is agreed and jointly administered by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong. If the Mainland goods vehicles need to apply for Hong Kong permit/licence, holders of the Mainland goods vehicle quotas must first apply to the relevant Mainland authority for the Mainland Approval Notice (commonly known as MAN) for their goods vehicles. The quota holders should also apply to the TD for vehicle approval and vehicle examination for their goods vehicles; upon passing the vehicle examination, they could proceed with vehicle registration and licensing as well as apply for Closed Road Permit (CRP). The TD would issue CRPs according to the approved boundary crossing(s) recorded on the MAN so that cross-boundary goods vehicles concerned could ply between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the designated boundary crossing(s). Besides, drivers from the Mainland driving the goods vehicles concerned should hold a full Hong Kong driving licence for the corresponding vehicle class(es) (such as light, medium or heavy goods vehicles). From 2022 to April 2025, the number of cross-boundary goods vehicles with valid CRPs maintained at about 10 000, among which goods vehicles from the Mainland have increased.
Guangdong and Hong Kong have been maintaining close liaison, and will review and enhance relevant facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles as appropriate subject to the development of freight logistics, local traffic capacity and trade’s responses in both places. Guangdong and Hong Kong also keep reviewing the number of quotas for cross-boundary goods vehicles from time to time. If the Mainland authorities seek to increase the quotas, Hong Kong will expedite the vetting with enhanced efficiency. Besides, the TD has enhanced the arrangement of vehicle approval for cross-boundary goods vehicles with a view to completing the relevant process with enhanced speed. In general, if all the documents required are in order and accurate, the time needed for completion of vehicle approval, examination, registration and licensing, as well as CRP application has been greatly shortened to as fast as three to four weeks.
(3) The Insurance Authority has been in discussion with relevant authorities and the insurance industry on the insurance arrangement for cross-boundary vehicles, with a view to providing facilitation and appropriate insurance products. Take Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles as an example, the Government has at the same time implemented the “unilateral recognition” arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance, which allows Hong Kong private cars driving into Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to extend the coverage of their third-party liability insurance purchased from Hong Kong insurers to the Mainland, thereby eliminating the need for separate policies in both places and facilitating travel between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The Government will continue to monitor the development of the cross-boundary freight and logistics industry, and review the relevant measures in a timely manner.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa
[PRESS RELEASE APIA, SAMOA] – A bold and promising new chapter in Samoa’s democratic journey begins this Thursday, 5 June, with the official soft launch of the Samoa Uniting Party (S.U.P.) at 10:00am at the Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Ballroom, Apia.
With deep roots in Samoa’s recent era of stable governance, the Samoa Uniting Party enters the political space as a force of principled leadership, inclusive development, and unwavering respect for the rule of law. The party builds on the legacy of Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataʻafa and her Cabinet — one defined by competence, accountability, and courage in governance.
At the heart of S.U.P.’s vision is a steadfast belief in the rule of law as the cornerstone of national unity and public trust. This principle is not merely a legal formality, it is the foundation of responsible leadership, and the mechanism by which all Samoans are protected, empowered, and treated with dignity.
Throughout the past five years, adherence to the rule of law has been more than a value, it has been a guiding force in decision-making, institutional reform, and the upholding of Samoa’s democratic integrity.
Under Fiame’s leadership, Samoa has restored and strengthened its legal institutions, reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary, and placed constitutional responsibility above political convenience.
The Samoa Uniting Party is committed to preserving and deepening this legacy, ensuring that no one is above the law, and that government is bound by clear, fair, and enforceable rules. The party will continue to advocate for transparent processes, respect for judicial rulings, and accountability in all arms of public service.
“When leaders govern with respect for the rule of law, citizens can trust their institutions, their freedoms are safeguarded, and national development can move forward on solid ground,” said Hon. PM Fiame Naomi Mataafa. “That trust is something we will never take for granted.”
S.U.P. was founded with a commitment to inclusive governance and remains grounded in the values of Christianity and fa’a Samoa, ensuring that leadership reflects the heart and soul of the people it serves.
Under the leadership of Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa as Prime Minister, in the XVII Parliament, Samoa made considerable national economic improvements through:
I. A higher economic growth than global average, even in the face of global challenges such as the pandemic and national political crisis;
II. The strongest period of employment growth through the establishment of new small businesses, and increase in overseas seasonal workers;
III. Increase partnerships with civil society organisations and empowerment of district development programs;
IV. Unprecedented increase in national revenue that has seen GDP growing from over $800m in 2021 to over $1.2billion in only 4 years;
V. Increase in donor support funding for national development programs, and
VI. Reducing the national debt whilst not taking out any additional loans.
These achievements reflect Samoa’s growing reputation for fiscal responsibility, legal transparency, and delivery capability.
The Samoa Uniting Party lead by Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa warmly invites the public, members of the media, community leaders, and stakeholders to attend the soft launch event. This will be an opportunity to hear directly from party representatives and learn more about their policies, priorities, and guiding values.
FAALAUILOA LE VAEGA UPUFAI FOU ALE SAMOA UA POTOPOTO ( SAMOA UNITING PARTY,) S.U.P. – Aso 5 Iuni 2025.
I lalo o le ta’ita’iga a le Tama’itai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa
[PEPA O FA’AMATALAGA]- O se taeao fou i le folauga a Samoa i mataupu tau faaupufai a Malo, ua amatalia lea i lenei taeao, i le faalauiloaina o le faatuina o se Vaega Faaupufai fou ua ta’ua o le “Samoa Uniting Party” (S.U.P) po’o le “Samoa Ua Potopoto”, i le faletalimalo o le Sheraton, i le 10 i le taeao o le Aso Tofi 5 Iuni 2025.
O le Samoa Uniting Party (S.U.P), e fa’avae i luga o le usita’ia ma le amanaia o le Tulafono, ma agatausili e pine i luga o le alofa, faamaoni ma taitaiga lelei auā le atina’eina o le manuia o tagata uma ae le na o se vaega to’aitititi.
O nei vaega tāua uma, o loo tumatila i le silasila a le Tamaitai Palemia ma le Kapeneta, e lima taitaiina ai le faamoemoe o le Vaega Faaupufai. O se taʻitaʻiga e fusia i le agavaa, le tali atu i tagata, ma le loto tele i le tautuaina o le atunuʻu, i pulega lelei e faavaeina i ala o le Tulafono.
I le lima tausaga ua tuana‘i, o le usitaʻia o le Tulafono ua avea ma fetu taiala i fa’ai’uga, suiga talafeagai mo fa’alapotopotoga, ma le fa’amautuina o le fa’avae temokalasi o Samoa.
I lalo o le taʻitaʻiga a le Afioga Fiame, ua toe fausia ma fa’amalosia ai fa’avae fa’aletulafono a le atunuʻu, toe fa’amausali ina le tutoʻatasi o le Fa’amasinoga, aemaise le fa’atāuaina o aiaiga o le Faavae, na i lo’o faiga fa’apolokiki.
O le naunautaiga o le S.U.P. o le fa’aauau lea o galuega lelei mo le manuia o le atunuu, ina ia ogatasi ma le Tulafono ina ia mautinoa ai e leai se tasi e sili atu i le Tulafono, auā o le Tulafono e maua ai le manino ma le tonu e mafai ai ona faatino ana galuega.
Saunoa le Tamaitai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa e faapea, “A puleaina e Ta’ita’i le Malo i ala e usita’ia ai le Tulafono, o le a mafai e tagatanu’u ona fa’atuatuaina lona Malo.
O le a malu faiga ma galuega faatino a Matagaluega ma Faalapotopotoga, e malu aia tatau a tagata, ma e mafai foi ona sologa lelei le atina’e o le atunuu i luga o se faavae malosi. O lenā faatuatuaga o se mea e le mafai ona tatou manatu faatauvaa i ai”.
Ua faavaeina le S.U.P ma le naunautaiga i pulega lelei e aofia uma ai le mamalu o le atunuu mo le atina’eina o se lumana’i manuia ma le fa’atumauina pea o tu ma aga fa’aKerisiano ma le fa’a Samoa, aemaise le fa’amautinoaina o ta’ita’iga e atagia ai loto ma agaga o tagata o lo’o tautuaina.
I lalo o le ta’ita’iga a le Tama’itai Palemia, Afioga Fiame Naomi Mataafa, i totonu o le Paeaiga XVII a le Palemene, sa mafai e Samoa ona ausia ni tulaga iloga i le faaleleia o le atina’eina o lona tamaoaiga, e pei ona molimauina i vaega nei:
I. Siitia o lona tamaoaiga i se tulaga e silia atu nai lo le averesi o le lalolagi e ui i luitau i le lalolagi e pei o fa’ama’i ma fa’alavelave fa’apolokiki a le atunu’u;
II. Faamalosia le faatupulaia o galuega e ala i le fa’atuina o pisinisi laiti fou, ma le fa’ateleina o tagata faigaluega e agavaa i galuega faavaitaimi;
III. Fa’ateleina faiga fa’apa’aga ma fa’alapotopotoga lautele ma fa’amalosia polokalame mo
le atina’eina o Itumalo;
IV. Si’itaga e le’i tupu muamua i tupe maua a le atunu’u, sa fa’atupula’ia ai le fua o le tamaoaiga o le atunuu (GDP) mai luga atu o le $800 miliona i le tausaga 2021, i le sili atu i le $1.2 piliona i le totonu o le na o le 4 tausaga;
V. Fa’ateleina tupe lagolago sa foaiina mai e paaga faava-o-malo a Samoa, mo polokalame mo le atina’eina o le atunu’u, ma
VI. Fa’aitiitia tupe aitalafu a le atunu’u ae aunoa ma le toe faia o ni nonogatupe fa’aopoopo.
O ia taunu’uga sa mafai ona ausia e le faiga Malo a le Afioga a le Palemia o Fiame ma lana Kapeneta, ua atagia mai ai le fa’atupuina o le ta’uleleia o Samoa i le faasoasoaina o ana alagaoa tau tupe, manino fa’aletulafono aemaise tomai i le fa’atinoina o galuega.
O lo’o vala’aulia e le Samoa Uniting Party poo le Samoa ua Potopoto, o loo taitaiina e le Afioga a Fiame Naomi Mataafa le mamalu o le atunu’u, sui o fa’asalalauga, ta’ita’i o nu’u ma pa’aga e auai mai i lea fa’amoemoe. O le a avea lea ma avanoa e fa’afofoga ai i sui o le vaega faaupufai mo le fa’amatala atili o a latou taiala o loo fa’avae ai lo latou fa’amoemoe.
[PRESS RELEASE] – Samoa became one of the first Pacific Island nations to adopt a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan — a milestone step to fully protect 30% and ensure sustainable management of 100% of its vast ocean 120,000-square-kilometer ocean territory.
The adoption of the plan under the Lands, Survey and Environment Act 1989 was endorsed by Samoa’s Cabinet, setting a global blueprint for how large ocean states can sustainably manage their ocean and their resources.
Hon. Toeolesulsulu Cedric Pose Salesa Schuster, Samoa’s Minister for Natural Resources and Environment announced the legal adoption of the plan, stating, “Samoa is a large ocean state, and our way of life is under increased threat from climate change, overfishing, habitat degradation and more. This Marine Spatial Plan marks a historic step towards ensuring that our ocean remains prosperous and healthy to support future generations of Samoans‒just as it did for us and our ancestors.”
The Marine Spatial Plan includes the establishment of nine new fully protected Marine Protected Areas, covering 36,000 square kilometers of ocean. It integrates traditional management systems by incorporating existing nearshore community-managed areas such as Fish Reserves and District MPAs, ensuring these culturally important practices are preserved and strengthened.
Traditional knowledge and the best available science together with input from stakeholders and communities from across 185 communities guided and shaped the Plan. Its implementation will be led by the MNRE in close collaborations with other Ministries and national and local stakeholders.
Leilani Duffy-Iosefa, Country Director of Conservation International Samoa, emphasized the importance of Samoa’s legal commitment and the broader implications for global marine governance, “This example shows what true delivery and accountability look like and Conservation International is excited to continue the partnership to support Samoa’s goals to protect 30% and sustainably manage 100% of its ocean.”
Dr. Kathryn Mengerink, Executive Director of the Waitt Institute, acknowledged Samoa’s leadership and the significance of this achievement in the global context, “Today, Samoa has established itself as a leader in sustainable ocean management. We are proud to support Samoa’s visionary leadership and decisive action towards securing a healthy ocean, thriving communities, and a prosperous future for its people and the planet.”
The legal establishment of Samoa’s Marine Spatial Plan comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference taking place this June in France. The conference, aptly themed “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” will provide a platform for Samoa to inspire countries across the globe to advance their ocean protection targets as the deadline for the 30×30 conservation goals rapidly approaches.