France, Samoa commit to tackle climate change

By Adel Fruean 08 February 2019, 12:00AM

The Ambassador of the Republic of France to Samoa, Sylvaine Carta-Le Vert, presented her credentials to the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II yesterday.  

The presentation was held at the Head of State’s official residence at Vailele where the new diplomat extended the well wishes from her nation’s President, Emmanuel Macron.

The Head of State welcomed her to Samoa. 

 “We have established diplomatic relations for over 40 years and we share a common interest in the areas of Climate Change,” His Highness Tuimalealiifano said.

“The promotion of peace and security, respect for the rule of law, and sustainable development through collaboration as members of the United Nations and also the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States through which Samoa conducts most of its engagement with the European Union.”

His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano highlighted the importance of global efforts to address climate change. 

“It is a national and a regional priority for the Pacific because we are encountering a pressing threat to our livelihood and for some of our Pacific neighbors the likelihood of a vanishing identity.  

“We continue to count on the support of your government, the European Union and international community for a unified global commitment.”

He also acknowledged the French Government’s support in areas of sustainable development within the region through humanitarian assistance and maritime surveillance. 

“The collaboration of our countries concerning the Tui Samoa and Manatua Cables are vitally important to increase our connectivity to the world, enhance our education systems and our technical capability to deal with issues of cybersecurity.”

In response, Mrs. Carta-Le Vert, said Samoa and France share a strong cultural affinity, a common history, and shared values, deep and sincere friendship with converging interests and goals.  

“The first obvious issue is our common fight against climate change. It is the most pressing challenge of our generation, especially for Pacific Island countries,” she said.

“France will continue its tireless efforts to tackle the issue, and do its utmost for the effective implementation of the Paris agreement, and fulfill the commitments made within the context of the One Planet Summit - and will also increase its efforts towards adaptation and biodiversity in the Pacific region.”

 

BACKGROUND 

Carta-Le Vert started working for the Ministère des Affaires étrangères in 1980. During her career, she has been Second secretary to the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in Geneva, First secretary in Beirut, First secretary to the Permanent Representation of France to NATO in Brussels, Auditor to the Royal College of Defense studies and Second Counsellor at the French Embassy in London, Consul General in Zurich.

Mrs. Carta-Le Vert served in several departments in the  Ministère des Affaires étrangères. 

Mrs Carta-Le Vert spent two years working for the ministry of Defense with the Naval Chief of staff (2007-2009). She also was inspector of the  Ministère des Affaires étrangères from 2009 to 2011. 

Prior to her arrival in Wellington, Mrs Carta-Le Vert was Consul General of France in London.

Born in 1955, Mrs. Carta-Le Vert graduated from the Institute of Political Science and has a bachelor degree in History from the University of Aix-en-Provence. She is married with two adult children. She will be residing at the Embassy of France in Wellington, New Zealand.  

By Adel Fruean 08 February 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>