Minister of Police, Honorable Faualo Harry Schuster and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Noriko Horiuchi signing the U.S. Samoa Bilateral Law Enforcement Agreement addendum. Photo: Samoa Government
Samoa and the US have signed an addendum to their ship rider agreement.
The original pact was signed in 2012.
The Charge d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Apia, Noriko Horiuchi, said the United States stands committed to safeguarding and ensuring security of Samoa's economic exclusive zone, in partnership with Samoa.
This upgraded agreement enables Samoa to request the US Coast Guard to inspect vessels and enforce their coastal state regulations without a Samoan officer present, but does not replace the joint work conducted with Samoan ship riders.
It follows the similar agreements signed by the Federated States of Micronesia in October 2022, the bilateral defense agreement signed with Papua New Guinea in May 2023, and the enhanced maritime bilateral agreement with the Republic of Palau in August 2023.
Group Photo (Seated) Honorable Faualo Harry Schuster and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Noriko Horiuchi with the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Services Executive. Photo: Samoa Government
Horiuchi said this addition is a means to assist Samoa and the region with maritime and fisheries enforcement.
"It allows Samoan maritime police to use US Coast Guard and Navy assets with embarked US Coast Guard Law Enforcement teams, when they are in Samoan waters, to enforce the maritime laws of Samoa.
"It is intended to complement the amazing ongoing efforts of Samoan ship riders."
US Coast Guard chief of response for District Fourteen in Honolulu, Captain Tom D'Arcy, said this agreement serves as a testament to the importance of maritime security in maintaining national sovereignty and regional stability.
"We're honored to sign this enhanced maritime bilateral agreement with our valued partner, the Independent State of Samoa.
"This agreement strengthens our collaborative efforts within the region."
