'I said no': Samoan PM told Luxon treaty refresh must wait until new NZ government elected
Samoan Prime Minister La'auli Leuatea Schmidt declined a request from New Zealand's Christopher Luxon to proceed with a treaty refresh before the NZ election. The Samoan leader stated he prefers to wait for the election outcome to ensure a fair negotiation process.
Why it matters
This reflects the diplomatic sensitivity and the importance of bilateral relations between New Zealand and Pacific Island nations.
Samoa's Prime Minister La'aulialemalietoa (La'auli) Leuatea Schmidt paused talks on a refreshed treaty with New Zealand until after the New Zealand general election.
La'auli claimed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon had asked for them to "proceed with it" anyway, but he decided not to.
La'auli made the revelation at a cocktail function supporting the 'visa on arrival' campaign led by prominent Aotearoa community leader Anae Arthur Anae in Apia last week, according to a report by the Samoa Observer .
According to the Samoa Observer , Anae was in Samoa seeking signatures for changes to New Zealand's immigration arrangements for Samoans. He has become a leading campaigner for immigration reform for Pacific Islanders.
"Regarding the Treaty of Friendship that was being prepared, Luxon wanted me to go ahead and proceed with it, but I said no," La'auli was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
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