9 Nov 2010

US Secretary of State pays tribute to American Samoa during brief visit

7:12 am on 9 November 2010

The US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spent nearly two hours in American Samoa late last night before returning to Washington after a two week Asia Pacific tour.

Governor Togiola Tulafono and First Lady Maryanne led a small welcoming which included the lieutenant governor, Faoa Aitofele Sunia, Congressman Faleomavaega Eni Hunkin, Chief Justice Michael Kruse and district governors.

During her visit, Mrs Clinton recognized the sacrifices of men and women from American Samoa in the US Armed Forces.

"The United States is both aware of and grateful for our close relationship and our deep ties most evident by the long and noble history of sacrifice by the men and women of American Samoa, not only as members of our military serving with great distinction and honour but as fellow travellers along life's path."

Mrs Clinton received a royal ava ceremony and was presented with gifts of finely woven mats, handicrafts, fabric and canned tuna.