OUR FUNCTIONS:
In carrying out the above Mandate and Mission Statement, the Ministry has the following obligations to:
- Provide policy advice and representation activities towards the management of Samoa’s foreign and trade relations with other countries;
- Provide policy advice and representation activities related to the management of Samoa’s membership of and foreign affairs and trade interests in, international and regional organisations;
- Provide policy advice and representation activities towards a regional orientation in the formulation of a common foreign policy for the Blue Pacific – one Continent identity in connection with the Pacific Framework for regionalism including regional strategies;
- Represent Samoa’s interest and provision of consular services abroad through the Ministry’s diplomatic Missions based in New Zealand, United States, Australia and Belgium;
- Manage and coordinate Samoa’s bilateral relations and development policy dialogues with key bilateral and development partners including resident missions, on development and technical cooperation programs to enhance national economic and social development efforts and ensure Samoa continues on a path of sustainability and resilience in line with the Pathway for Development of Samoa;
- Formulate, recommend and develop appropriate policies and strategies in consultation with stakeholders on trade policy and trade promotion strategies;
- Administer Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act 1978, and the effective interpretation of diplomatic and consular privileges under the Vienna Convention as well as establish operational guidelines for host country agreements related to international meetings in Samoa and hosting offices of regional and/or international organisations;
- Put in place the requisite guidelines on procedures to be observed and followed in the conduct of foreign relations including processes for accession and ratification of international convention and treaties;
- Formulate and review any guidelines towards a foreign policy for Samoa in alignment with national, regional and global agendas and development strategies;
- Support services to facilitate the operations of the Ministry both at headquarters and our overseas missions involves the securing of necessary financial and human resources, maintenance of an efficient and effective corporate framework, and responsible use of available resources.
OUR VISION:
Samoa to maintain its role as a regional leader and an active participant in global decision making and to improve trade prospects and opportunities in Samoa.
OUR MISSION:
To continue to provide high quality and professional policy advice to Government on the management of Samoa’s foreign and trade relations.
OUR VALUES AND PRINCIPLES:
In pursuit of its Mission and Vision, the Ministry is fully committed for its staff to perform with:
- Professionalism
- Discretion
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Transparency
- Accountability
- Customer focus
- Gender balance
