Strengthening Samoa and Australia’s Maritime Cooperation

2026-03-23 - 00:13

Hon. Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo was honoured to attend the Admiral’s Reception hosted by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, aboard the HMAS Canberra in Sydney. Held as part of Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026, the Royal Australian Navy’s premier biennial maritime exercise, the event brings together 18 partner nations across a wide operating area including Samoa and the Pacific. The Review is the largest gathering of foreign warships in Sydney Harbour in more than a decade and marks 125 years of the Australian Navy’s service to the nation. During the event, the Minister had the pleasure of meeting and hear updates from the Captain Muaauotaua Amosa, and management of Samoa’s patrol vessel Nafanua III. The Nafanua comprises a team of 23 officers who are currently in Australia for the Fleet Review, recognising their dedicated service in safeguarding Samoa’s maritime borders and supporting national security efforts. Hon. Mulipola also had the opportunity to briefly meet with the Governor-General of Australia and the Chief of Navy. Events such as these reinforce Samoa’s commitment to strong partnerships across the Pacific, built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and the collective goal of ensuring a safe and secure ocean for our peoples.