The new face of Canada in Samoa

By Deidre Fanene 17 February 2017, 12:00AM

Canada has a new High Commissioner to Samoa. 

Mario Bot arrived on Wednesday and he presented his letter of credence to the Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi yesterday at Tuaefu.

“My Government greatly appreciates the constructive role played by the Independent State of Samoa on the international scene,” he told the Head of State during the meeting yesterday.

He expressed his thanks for Samoa’s support for Canada’s candidacy to the UN Security Council.

 “In the Pacific, Samoa’s principal position on regional security and contribution to the Pacific Islands Forum continues to make a difference and command respect,” he said.

“As Samoa prepares to host this year’s Pacific Island Forum, Canada looks forward to participating actively in the Post-Forum Dialogue and to expanding further our relationship with the Forum and its member states.”

His Highness Tui Atua welcomed Mr. Bot noting that it has been 46 years since the diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.

“The relations between our two countries have transcended physical distances and we continue to cover an array of issues that are of equal significance to both countries.

“Canada and Samoa continue to engage at various international forums such as the United Nations in the promotion of these important issues.”

Mr. Bot was assigned to the Embassy of Canada in Washington for 2010 to 2014 where he served as both the Consul General and the Executive Director of the Regional Services Centre for the United States.

From 2006 to 2010, he was posted to the High Commission of Canada in London where he served as the Management and Consular Officer.

In 1992, he joined the Office of the Inspector General in the department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

He served as both Director of Audit and Deputy Inspector General and inspected over 110 missions abroad.

Prior to joining the Foreign Ministry, Mario Bot worked for Consulting and Audit Canada, an agency of the Government of Canada.

Mr. Bot is a graduate of Carleton University with Bachelor of Commerce degrees. He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant-Certified Management Accountant.

He was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontarion. When not posted, he and his spouse Thu Huong (Jennifer) Nguyen live in Ottawa.

They enjoy hiking, travelling and sampling the cuisines of the world.

He will be departing Samoa on Friday 24th February and will return to Wellington, New Zealand where he is currently residing.

By Deidre Fanene 17 February 2017, 12:00AM
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