Strengthening relationship between Samoa and Netherlands

By His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II 23 October 2018, 12:00AM

His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II

Head of State

Statement at the Presentation of Credentials of 

Mira Woldberg, Ambassador-designate of Netherlands

 

I am pleased to accept the Letter of Credence accrediting you as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Netherlands to the Independent State of Samoa. 

I also extend my sincere thanks for presenting the Letter of Recall for your predecessor and would humbly ask that you convey my best wishes and good health of His Majesty King Willem Alexander. 

Excellency, Samoa and Netherlands established diplomatic relations since April 1979. However, relations between Samoa and Netherlands have been long established in the early 18th century.

As you have mentioned, Jacob Roggeveen, became the first European to witness firsthand our islands and its people in 1722.

In furthering our mutual relations, Samoa and Netherlands shares common values within the United Nations, and that includes strengthening our cooperation on global security, rule of law, freedom, democracy and human rights. 

Samoa acknowledges and appreciates Netherlands multilateral development assistance through the EU partnership.

Samoa being a small island state like the rest of our Pacific neighbors is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as rising sea level, unprecedented weather temperatures and frequent cyclones outside our normal cyclone season.

Samoa commends the commitment of Netherlands to assist our joint efforts to deal with the challenges of climate change. 

Samoa would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Netherlands in election as a member to the United Nations Security Council in 2018.

We acknowledge with appreciation your advocacy of issues important to SIDs and Samoa during your membership within the UN Security Council. 

Next week, Samoa will be hosting the SAMOA Pathway SIDS Review which will invite all small island developing states to discuss issues on climate change, security, sustainable development and other important matters.

We hope your SIDs islands will participate and add to our collective efforts and stance. 

Excellency, I wish you the very best in your tenure as the Ambassador of Netherlands to Samoa.

I am confident that during your tenure, your office will continue to push the warm relations that our two countries enjoy to new heights and in promoting areas for further cooperation between our Governments.

I hope that you will enjoy the rest of your visit in Samoa.

Soifua.

By His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II 23 October 2018, 12:00AM
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