By Leota Marc Membrere, Apia Samoa. It’s official. Samoa will soon be receiving its first ever U.S. Resident Ambassador.
This was announced by Ambassador of the U.S. to New Zealand and Samoa, His Excellency Thomas Stewart Udall during the 4th of July celebrations last week Thursday at Vailima.
For many years Samoa’s U.S. Ambassador has resided in Wellington New Zealand, but now the U.S. Government has made the decision to appoint an ambassador to reside in Samoa.
The US Embassy in Samoa was established in November 1988, with a Chargé d’Affaires overseeing the leadership of the Samoa office.
Ambassador Udall would travel to Samoa and sometimes stay for up to a month at a time, however, that will soon change once a Resident Ambassador officially arrives in Samoa.
According to the Ambassador throughout the past 12 months their team in Apia have been instrumental in facilitating the partnership between the two countries.
He commended the Chargé d’Affaires Noriko Horiuchi and her team for their outstanding contribution to the success of pprojects aimed at boosting the relationship between the U.S. and Samoa.
“We opened our second American Corner in Samoa – the first on the island of Savaii – through our partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture. And, in just a few days, we will hold our inaugural American Corner July 4th celebration in Savaii.”
His Excellency says he is filled with enthusiasm for the future and the achievements of the US – Samoa partnership.
“At the heart of any true partnership lies shared values and aspirations, our commitment to improving the lives of every citizen through healthcare, education, and equal opportunities serves as the foundation on which our nations will thrive and prosper.”
Prime Minister of Samoa Honourable Fiame Naomi Mataafa thanked the Ambassador.
“I am sure this will indeed further improve and deepen our ongoing development relations.”
The Prime Minister said Samoa will continue to foster meaningful cooperation with the U.S. in the areas of health, environment, the security of the Exclusive Economic Zone, the fisheries sector and the Peace Corp Programme.
