- Foreign relations of Samoa
The
Samoa n Government is generally conservative and pro-Western, with a strong interest in regional political and economic issues. At independence in 1962, Samoa signed aTreaty of Friendship withNew Zealand . This treaty confirms the special relationship between the two countries and provides a framework for their interaction. Under the terms of the treaty, Samoa can request that New Zealand act as a channel of communication to governments and international organizations outside the immediate area of thePacific islands . Samoa can also request defense assistance which New Zealand is required to consider, as Samoa does not maintain a formal military. Overall, Samoa has strong links with New Zealand, where many Samoans now live and many others were educated. New Zealand is the closest stopping ground for travel to Samoa.The Samoan Government was an outspoken critic of the French decision to resume
nuclear weapons testing in the SouthPacific Ocean in 1995. An indefinite ban was placed on visits to Samoa by French warships and aircraft. Large-scale street demonstrations were held in Apia. The French tests concluded in early 1996.Samoa participated in a first round of negotiations with its Pacific Island neighbors for a regional trade agreement in August 2000.
In
September 2008 , Samoa became the 46th country to officially recognise the independence ofKosovo . [ [http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/9910187.asp?scr=1 "Samoa recognises Kosovo independence: Pristina"] , Agence France-Presse, September 16, 2008]Samoa participated in the first Cuba-Pacific Islands ministerial meeting in
Havana in September 2008, aimed at "strengthening cooperation" betweenCuba and Samoa, notably in coping with the impact ofclimate change . [ [http://www.cubanews.ain.cu/2008/0916amistadislaspacifico.htm "Cuban Foreign Minister Opens Cuba-Pacific Islands Meeting"] , Cuban News Agency, September 16, 2008] [ [http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42045 "Pacific and Cuba meet to discuss co-operation"] , Radio New Zealand International, September 17, 2008]International organization participation
ACP, AsDB, C, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IMF, IMO, Intelsat (nonsignatory user), IOC, ITU, OPCW, PIF, Sparteca, SPC, SOPAC, SPREP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO.
ee also
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Samoan diplomatic missions References
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