Governor-General visits Samoa

The Governor-General made a State Visit to the Independent State of Samoa as part of her continuing visits to neighbouring Pacific countries.Ms Bryce arrived at the Head of State’s Residence in Vailele to meet the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, and was invited to inspect a Police Guard by the Commander of the Guard. Later, the Governor-General addressed the Parliament of Samoa and made a special announcement about Australia’s gift to mark the country’s 50th Anniversary of Independence.

After the address, Ms Bryce attended a State Lunch hosted by the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi, at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Vailima. The Governor-General also met the Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Lupesoliai Malielegaoi, before visiting two AusAID assisted projects in Samoa which promote education and skills development for local and Pacific students. During the day, Ms Bryce presented Group Bravery Citation awards to three men who were involved in a rescue of a woman from drowning at Lalomanu Beach, Samoa on 14 June 2009.