The Australia Border Force (ABF) has further strengthened it's partnership with Samoa's Ministry of Customs & Revenue (MCR) through the Donation of essential equipment and safety gear. The handover ceremony held at Customs Office in Matautu on Wednesday 2nd October 2024, was officiated by Reverend Elder Moli of the EFKS Matautu-tai parish. The ceremony also marked another moilestone in the long-standing relationship between Samoa and Australia.

Australia's High Commissioner to Samoa, H.E Will Robinson, reaffirmed the commitment to enhancing border security with the delivery of equipment, including two Smiths High scan cabinet X-ray units, Narcotic Identification Kits, four personal rediation detectors, and personal protective equipment (PPEs) including high viz vests and safety boots. In addition, ABF experts also provided two weeks of specialized training for Customs and Biosecurity officers, focusing the safe operation of the equipment and advance inspection techniques.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Samoa who is also Minister of MCR, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, accepted the kind donation and expressed sincerest gratitude to the Australian Government and ABF for their ongoing support. He emphasized the importance of the donation in safegaurding Samoa's borders and acknowledged ABF Inspector Michelle Bond for her role in facilitating the initiative. He also urged that the new equipment be put to good use to enhance the Ministry's border enforcement efforts, ultimately benefitting Samoa.

The ceremony concluded with the signing of Memorandum of Understanding and exchange of gifts certification relative to the donated items between the ABF and MCR.

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