South Africa's new High Commissioner to pursue cooperation agenda

By Adel Fruean 08 October 2019, 4:23PM

South Africa's new High Commissioner Samoa, Vuyiswa Tulelo, presented her credentials to the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, on Tuesday.

“I have the honour to present the credentials accrediting me High Commissioner Non Resident of the Republic of South Africa to the Independent State of Samoa,” she said.

The presentation was held at the Head of State’s official residence at Vailele.

Ms. Tulelo stated that her role would involve the promotion of cooperation between Samoa and South Africa of all kinds and the maintenance and extension of the already excellent relations between the two countries. 

“South Africa and Samoa share views in the [most pressing] multilateral issues, in particular on climate change," she said. 

“Our missions to the United Nations are strong advocates for a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that limits the rise in global temperatures to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

She said that Samoa and South Africa need to continue working together to ensure the Paris Agreement on climate change action is implemented. 

“My ambition is to enhance bilateral ventures in fields such as trade, agriculture, culture, education, and tourism in order to create new opportunities for our people," she said. 

“I believe there is a lot the two countries can do in order to bring our relationship to its maximum potential and the presentation of my credential opens the doors for the above. 

“The struggle for gender equality remains a critical focal point for both our nations, and I am humbled to be able to lead the information gathering, exchange and sharing efforts on behalf of my people and nation.”

Ms. Tulelo she hopes to work diligently in ensuring that the friendship between South Africa and Samoa stand as a beacon of hope to other nations. 

“I and my family are looking forward to an engaging and fruitful tour of beautiful Samoa.”

Tuimaleali’ifano conveyed his best wishes for the good health and well-being of South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

“Our diplomatic relationship has been shaped by mutual respect and shared common interests between our two countries in the areas of peace, sustainable development, climate change and economic growth through our collaboration as members of the United Nations, [the] Commonwealth and other international forums," he said. 

“Samoa recognises the efforts by South Africa to combat the threats and challenges of climate change by advocating for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to well below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“Climate change is here and for small island developing states, it is impacting with far more severity and extensive damage because of our unique geographic vulnerabilities.”

He looks forward to continued collaboration with South Africa’s Government for ambitious and transformational global action to address the realities of climate change and consolidating support for international policies such as implementing the Paris Agreement.

“Samoa embraces gender equality in an inclusiveness approach to secure citizenship rights to development through engagement with key vulnerable groups such as women and girls, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities," he sad. 

“We look forward to opportunities for co-operation with South Africa in trade, agriculture, tourism, and education through available platforms and more frequent people to people exchanges.   

“I am confident that during your tenure, your office will continue to further elevate the warm relations that our two countries enjoy to new heights with more strategic partnerships between our Governments.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Adel Fruean 08 October 2019, 4:23PM

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