American Samoa is looking at becoming a become a full member of the regional body, the Pacifics Island Forum.
This follows the acceptance of the French territories of French Polynesia and New Caledonia as full members at its annual meeting in Pohnpei earlier this month.
Photo: PIF
Lieutenant Governor Lemanu Eleti Mauga, who attended the Pohnpei meeting, said at yesterday's cabinet meeting that American Samoa, which currently has observer status, wants to eventually become a full member and has received an invitation to do so.
Governor Lolo Moliga has said American Samoa wants to strengthen ties with its Pacific neighbours but also its association with the United States.
He has directed the Attorney General to prepare a briefing for the State Department to help it understand why it's beneficial for the territory to work closely and maintain strong ties with island countries of the region.