Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands Special Coordinator, Tim George, congratulated the people and government of Samoa on the occasion of their National Day on 1 January.

“Samoa has made important contributions to the Regional Assistance Mission over the past 12 months through a senior advisor working with the Solomon Islands Government and its police officers serving with their Royal Solomon Islands Police counterparts”, he said.

“There is much to be learnt from development in Samoa that its people can share with the Solomon Islands. I thank them for their continued commitment to the Regional Assistance Mission which is working together with Solomon Islanders to create a peaceful, well-governed and prosperous country.”

There are currently eight Samoans lead by Iosefo Tuimaunei working with the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands. Seven members are working in regional outposts as part of the Participating Police Force.

Mr George said that the people and government of Samoa can feel proud of the positive contributions their citizens continue to make to the lives of people in the Solomon Islands, both in Honiara and the provinces.

“These partnerships, based on mutual trust and respect, are central to the success of the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands’ partnership with the Solomon Islands”, he said.

The current Samoan contingent is based in the Solomon Islands until 15 February 2007.