The Minister of Finance, Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o hosted the courtesy meeting with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General, Baron Waqa, during his visit to Samoa on 19 January 2026. The discussion reflected Samoa’s strong commitment to Pacific regionalism, unity, and collective progress under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, and in progressing country priorities at the national level.

Key areas of engagement included:

-Strengthening regional economic resilience and cooperation

-Advancing the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led climate finance solution

-Addressing Correspondent Banking challenges to safeguard remittances

-Progress on labour mobility, human capital development, and social protection

-Regional work on fisheries, digital transformation, and private sector development

-Shared climate leadership during a period of dynamic foreign policies

Samoa warmly acknowledged the Secretary General’s leadership and reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with PIFS to enhance regional stability, resilience, and inclusive development for all Pacific peoples. The meeting was also joined by Mrs Saoleititi Maeva Betham Vaai - CEO Ministry of Finance Samoa, and senior staff of the PIFS, Dr. Salome Taufa – Director of Governance and Engagement and Mr. Jonetani Tagiveatua – Political and Governance Adviser.