In a letter sent today to Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon expressed his sincere condolences to the Government and the people of Samoa over the recent passing of the late Head of State, His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II.

"Malietoa Tanumafili II will always be remembered as the father of Samoa, who was at the forefront of his country's march to full independence. Samoa became the first Pacific Island country to achieve full independence on 1 January 1962.

His death is a sad loss not only to Samoa but to the Pacific region and to the wider Commonwealth family.

His Highness became the oldest and the third longest-serving Head of State in the world when he celebrated his 95th birthday earlier this year. He will always be remembered for his dignity, wisdom, insight and lively sense of humour during his many years of service to the Government and people of Samoa.

The strong leadership role he provided as Head of State since January 1962, ensured the strong foundation on which Samoa's chiefly 'matai' structures and practices complimented the country's democratic processes and institutions. This has made Samoa a stable and prosperous democracy within the Commonwealth family - a legacy which all the Samoans in the country and abroad recognise with immense pride and gratitude." Commonwealth, 14/05/07.