William McCormick, U.S. Ambassador to Samoa, visited Apia in December to receive a progress report at the end of a week-long trial of visa interviews at the US Embassy. The Ambassador announced that the success of the trial has ensured that the new system will continue, with the next interview week scheduled for March 19-23, 2007.

Ambassador McCormick also took the opportunity while in Apia to meet with senior government officials from both Samoa and American Samoa.