COOPERATION ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF TOKELAU AND THE GOVERNMENT OF SAMOA

Fakaofo, Tokelau, 19 March 2003

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 19 MARCH 2003

1.  Introduction

1.1  The Governments of Tokelau and Samoa (the ‘Governments’), recognising the very close historical links and great geographical, social and cultural similarities between the inhabitants and islands of Tokelau and Samoa, and further recognising the benefits of bilateral interactions in the spirit of neighbourly friendship, desire to cooperate for the betterment of their people, and hereby record their intention to jointly cooperate as specified in this Arrangement. 

2.  Ministerial Talks and Official Cooperation

2.1  The Governments hereby record their decision to hold talks, at the Faipule/Ministerial (‘the Ministerial talks’), level on an annual basis and as required.  The Ministerial talks will be held in Apia unless the Governments agree otherwise. 

2.2  The Ministerial talks will cover issues of concern to the respective Governments, including (but not limited to) the issues referred to in paragraph 3 of this Arrangement.  The Governments will endeavour cooperatively to agree to a work plan at each of the annual Ministerial talks, to progress issues of concern in the following year according to priorities agreed between them. 

2.3  The Governments will direct their respective officials to work cooperatively together, on an ongoing basis, to implement the work plan referred to in paragraph 2.2. Where appropriate, the New Zealand High Court in Apia may also assist in progressing one or more of the issues in the work plan.

3  Issues for Discussion and Cooperation

3.1  The Governments record their wish to include in the Ministerial talks the following issues, for discussion between them and for inclusion in the work plan - 

(1) Shipping and transportation;
(2)  Trade;
(3)  Fisheries;
(4)  Maritime boundary;
(5)  Transit of Tokelauans through Apia;
(6)  Customs, duty and excise;
(7)  Immigration;
(8)  Health services;
(9)  Education.

3.2  The issues listed in paragraph 3.1 may be amended or added to by the agreement of the Governments, during the annual Ministerial talks.

Made this 19th day of March 2003 at Fakaofo, Tokelau

(Signed)
Kolouei O’Brien
Ulu o Tokelau
Council of Faipule
Tokelau	(Signed)
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Prime Minister
Government of Samoa
SAMOA