Four non-resident foreign diplomats accredited to Samoa have presented their credentials virtually to the Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

The non-resident Ambassadors were Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa, Ambassador for the Apostalic Nuncio of the Nunciature of the Holy See; Grzegorz Kowal, the Ambassador for Poland; Fatima Őm r Űnsay, the Ambassador for the Republic of Turkey; and the Ambassador for Hungary, Dr. Zsolt Gábor Hetesy.

The virtual presentation of credentials was approved and granted by the Government of  Samoa to officially confirm the diplomats’ accreditation as non-resident ambassadors of their respective states to Samoa.

Following the formalities and acceptance by the Head of State of their credentials, the Ambassadors presented short remarks on behalf of their States focusing on bilateral relations with the assurance of strengthening bilateral ties during their tenure as ambassadors to Samoa. 

Archbishop Novatus Rugambwa in his brief remarks discussed the health crisis triggered by COVID-19 virus that affected the entire world and imposed travel restrictions infringing on the freedom of movement. 

He said that a lesson that was learnt during the ongoing pandemic is that the nations should tirelessly enhance their relations at both bilateral and multilateral levels, while emphasising that everyone is created in the likeness of God to cultivate friendships and collaborate in the face of global challenges.

According to the Archbishop, the fronts where both Samoa and the Holy See have joined hands include the defence of human lives, the promotion of peace in the world and the protection of the environment. 

Mr Kowal, the Polish Ambassador, was the second diplomat to virtually present his credentials and said both Samoa and his country are celebrating the 10th anniversary of bilateral relations between Poland and Samoa this year. 

He also used the opportunity to thank Samoa for sharing the same view on current global political situations and Samoa’s firm position on Russian aggression in Ukraine with the diplomat affirming that the Republic of Poland shares common views with Samoa on climate change as a global challenge requiring joint effort. 

Turkey’s Ambassador Fatima Őm r Űnsay reminded that this year marked the 43rd anniversary of her country establishing diplomatic relations between Samoa and Turkey. 

“It is with great satisfaction to observe that despite a mass geographical distance over four decades, our countries have been able to sustain cordial relations and cooperate on issues of mutual concern,” she said. 

She also spoke about the initiatives already undertaken by Turkey in Samoa and the Pacific Region. 

The Hungary Ambassador Dr. Zsolt Gábor Hetesy was the last to present his credentials and used the occasion to discuss his country’s cooperation with Samoa on global causes such as sustainable development and the fight against climate change and its harmful impact on the oceans and island states. 

He plans to visit Samoa next year to gain deeper knowledge of the islands. 

The Head of State, in response to the speeches of the accredited diplomats, expressed confidence that they will promote existing relations with Samoa and he wished them well on their tenure as representatives of their respective states to Samoa.