The United States has officially accredited its new Ambassador to Samoa, with His Excellency Jared Novelly presenting his Letter of Credence to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, during a credentials ceremony at the Head of State’s residence in Vailele on Tuesday.
The ceremony formally recognised Ambassador Novelly as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Independent State of Samoa. He will be based in Wellington, New Zealand.
Samoa and the United States have shared diplomatic relations since 14 July 1971, with both countries marking more than five decades of cooperation across a range of areas.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Novelly thanked the Head of State for the warm welcome and reflected on the longstanding relationship between the two nations, tracing their historical ties back to the arrival of American traders and Christian missionaries.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the partnership between Samoa and the United States, saying his priority is “to ensure that the United States continues to be a reliable partner that listens, follows through, and works alongside Samoa.”
The Head of State welcomed Ambassador Novelly’s appointment, acknowledging the 55 years of diplomatic relations between Samoa and the United States. He expressed confidence that the new ambassador’s tenure would further strengthen bilateral ties by advancing shared interests and building on existing areas of cooperation.
Before taking up his diplomatic appointment, Ambassador Novelly built a successful career in business, sports management and philanthropy. He served as Principal of Crest Sports and Entertainment, where he owned and chaired the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League and oversaw investments in the East Asia Super League.
His professional career has also included senior leadership roles in real estate, telecommunications and corporate management with companies including Apex Holding Company, Apex Oil Corporation, Southwestern Bell Wireless, SBC Wireless/Cingular and SBC Management Services.
Ambassador Novelly has also supported numerous charitable organisations focused on education, healthcare and religious institutions. He holds a Master of Property Development from the University of Technology Sydney and a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Louis University.
During his visit, Ambassador Novelly is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, the Leader of the Opposition and members of Samoa’s business community before returning to Wellington.
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