Samoa–Tonga relations
The Samoa–Tonga relations refer to the bilateral relations between the Independent State of Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga. The Lapita people first arrived in the islands of Samoa and Tonga, developing a unique sense of cultural identity. Early in the history, the Tui Manu'a of the Manu'a Group of islands in the Samoa Islands, were under the influence over a great area in the region called Tonga. Manu'a is now part of American Samoa. Later, during the reign of the Tu'i Tonga Empire, most of the islands of Samoa was under the Tu'i Tongan Empire. However, after various of battles, the Samoan people finally gained independence from Tonga. Present day relations between the two countries are good, with both of them belonging to the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Pacific Islands Forum.
