Pacific

Samoa's Prime Minister thanks those involved in tsunami response

16:15 pm on 16 October 2009

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has thanked all the international governments, agencies, local church organizations, NGOs, businesses and individuals involved in the tsunami response.

In a statement, he said he would like to mention with deepest gratitude the emergency assistance that the Governments of Australia and New Zealand mobilized which deployed medical teams, military personnel, assets and supplies critical to the rescue and relief work.

The Prime Minister said he also acknowledged with gratitude each and everyone from overseas and Samoa's own people who have worked tirelessly to support the rescue and relief effort.

The New Zealand Naval vessel HMNZS Canterbury has arrived in Apia with supplies for the Samoa Water Authority and Electric Power Corporation, along with many donated items from the Samoan community in Auckland.