The United Kingdom has congratulated Samoa’s newly declared leader and first female Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

The statement released on Wednesday was made by Dominic Raab, who is U.K. Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and First Secretary of State.

He congratulated Prime Minister Fiame and the people of Samoa on the completion of their democratic process. 

“As Commonwealth partners we look forward to collaborating on our shared interests including trade, climate change and girls’ education,” he said on Twitter.

In addition, the European Union and its Member States also congratulated Fiame on her victory after the 9 April 2021 election.

The EU in a statement issued this week said, “as trusted and longstanding partners of Samoa, sharing the values of democracy and the rule of law, the European Union and its Member States thank the outgoing Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for his past leadership and look forward to working with the first female Prime Minister of Samoa.”

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern last Friday night was the first major Pacific leader to congratulate Fiame on winning the April elections and becoming the nation’s first female Prime Minister.

The following day Australia's Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, called Fiame to personally congratulate her on her elevation to the nation's leadership.

Mr. Morrison also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, for "his long standing leadership and service to the people of Samoa and to the wider Pacific family, and for further strengthening Samoa-Australia ties."

On Sunday night, Fiji’s Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama also extended his congratulations to Fiame.

A day later a spokesperson for the Chinese Government's Foreign Ministry, Zhao Lijian, issued a message of congratulations on the Government's behalf to Fiame during a regular scheduled press conference.

Mr. Lijian said that the Chinese side extends its congratulations to Fiame on being elected Prime Minister of the new Government of Samoa.

“As comprehensive strategic partners, China and Samoa are committed to mutual respect and common development. China-Samoa relations feature long-standing friendship and enjoy the endorsement and support of the two peoples,” he added. 

The Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark Stephen Brown was also one of the Pacific leaders that conveyed his congratulatory wishes to Fiame.