Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, has invited American Samoa to join the Pacific Islands Forum like the French territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
Tuila'epa told reporters in his first New Year's weekly radio programme that American Samoa can lodge an application to join when Samoa hosts the Forum in September.
He said if American Samoa decides in the future to become an independent country, being a member of the Forum would be a good move.
Tuila'epa said the two nations would not only work together but it would also mean a stronger voice for both on the world stage and within the United Nations.
Tuila'epa attended the inauguration of the re-elected Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa this week.
