France has decided to establish a permanent embassy in Samoa marking a significant step in its engagement with the Pacific region said the first Ambassador of France to Samoa Guillaume Lemoine.

The 59-year-old Parisian has been given the challenge of establishing French relations in Samoa and says he is ready for it.

"Just until last week, France was represented in Samoa by the French Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand. We made a joint decision with the Government of Samoa and the federal government to set up a permanent embassy," said Lemoine. 

"We have to do everything, find a location, a place, an office, a residence, hire people, buy a car, computers, and everything we need. We are starting from scratch and it is absolutely exciting. 

"I am a guy of challenge. I think on a personal level, I love to deliver. I love to make things happen. I love to create, and build, and it is the same with my personal life. I love to do things by myself. I do some DIY work and back home in France, I fix cars, houses, electricity, plumbing and everything. 

"I am very happy to have been chosen for this role. It is an honour. It's a challenge but I am excited. I have the support of my wife who is here with me."

His credentials were presented to the Head of State in early February, and he is temporarily operating from an office at the Taumeasina Island Resort, just behind the reception counter. 

"As you know, France has territories in the Pacific, New Caledonia and French Polynesia. So, we are part of this area. We have in the Pacific, more than 600,000 French nationals living between the Western Coast of Australia, Eastern Coast of Australia, and the Western Coast of the US," he said. 

"We already have five embassies in the region, there's Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Vanuatu. But if you look at the map, I would say they are all located in the South West, and we've considered that there was a lack of presence in our network."

Lemoine believes that France has already contributed to Samoa's development through aid. The embassy aims to strengthen ties with Samoa and French territories, promote cultural exchange, and enhance diplomatic relations. He also emphasised the importance of community engagement and personal connections in fostering mutual understanding. and cooperation.

"Our mandate is so far limited in this region of the world to fight against climate change, unfortunately, we don't intervene with health and education. In Paris, when you mention Samoa we automatically think 'rugby'. 

"Sports in general, are a good leverage, I wouldn't say right away development but at least to try and link people together, to enhance style and strengthen them. Samoa is now my new home. I want to meet the people of Samoa, not only officials but go to the market, traditional and cultural events, go to the villages, and ask them how life is and so forth."

Lemoine was very happy with the way he was welcomed to Samoa. He was received with smiles.

He believes that he will feel at home soon. He is married with three children.