PM Transcripts

-1A1U STRALIA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 23 MARCH 1977
AUSTRALIAN REPRESENTATION IN WESTERN SAMOA
The Prime Minister said today that amongst the matters he
had discussed with the visiting Prime Minister of Western Samoa,
Tupuola Efi, had been the proposed establishment of an
Australian High Commission in Apia. Tupuola Efi had warmly
welcomed the proposed Australian mission, which he said would
greatly strengthen the existing close links between Australia
and Western Samoa, by affording a direct channel of conmunication
between the two Governments.
A firm date has not yet been set for opening the mission, but it
will be operational in the 1977/ 78 f. nancial year.
The Prime Minister said that the opening of a post in Apia would
be a further step in the Government's continuing efforts to
intensify Australia's relations with the countries of the South
Pacific, both bilaterally and through such regional organisations
as the South Pacific Forum and the South Pacific Commission.
In addition to its general role in developing Australian relations
with Western Samoa, the post would assist with the implementation
of the Australian aid programme and provide consular services
in respect of Australian residents, visitors and tourists.
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