Prime Minister Tuilaepa visited Wellington from 13-14 August 2012 to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws in recognition of his outstanding leadership in the Pacific region. This was the Prime Minister's first official visit to the Wellington based University. The conferment ceremony was followed by the signing of three Memoranda of Co-operation between the Government of Samoa and Victoria University. These Partnership Agreements are aimed at further strengthening co-operation between Victoria University and the National University of Samoa and the Scientific Research Organization of Samoa (SROS). During his two day visit Prime Minister Tuilaepa also met with representatives of Wellington Airport. The meeting discussed the progress of consultations to revive direct flights between Wellington and Samoa. The Samoa High Commission hosted a luncheon for the Prime Minister and a dinner for the Vice Chancellor of the National University of Samoa and his delegation at the Residence.