It was a huge honour to hand over my credentials to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga i le Ao o le Malo, Tuimalealiʻifano Vaʻaletoʻa Sualauvi II, two weeks ago. It was particularly special to arrive as the new British High Commissioner just in time to enjoy Samoa’s spectacular independence celebrations. In His Majesty the King’s congratulatory message to the Head of State last week, he recalled how much he enjoyed his visit to Samoa in 2024, and he reflected on ‘the enduring partnership between our nations, rooted in the shared values and mutual respect that define our Commonwealth’.
His Majesty is, of course, right. Our countries may be on opposite sides of the world, but we have so much in common. Our shared history, our Christian heritage, our Commonwealth values, and our love of rugby bring our countries and our peoples together. It was wonderful, for instance, to watch the Marist Sevens last Saturday (a tournament we were delighted to sponsor) and to join the congregation at All Saints Anglican Church on Sunday. Samoa and the United Kingdom may indeed be far apart, but, as I have been telling my own family this week, distance makes the heart grow fonder. My wife and children will join me in October, and I know we will be very happy here.
Before I arrived, everyone I spoke to about Samoa told me about Samoa’s beautiful nature, and about how beautifully it has been managed and conserved. But nothing could have prepared me for quite how stunning your islands really are. I have also begun to learn about Fa’a Samoa, and the great strength it has given to your society. Samoans are a truly fortunate people, and I feel truly fortunate to be posted here.
Our countries may have much in common, but we also face common challenges. Climate change is affecting everyone, but we recognise that – here in the Pacific – your people are on the frontline. As the King noted in his message, ‘Samoa’s leadership in supporting climate resilience and sustainability reflects our shared commitment to protecting land and ocean, whose importance is so deeply embedded in Samoan culture’. At home, the United Kingdom is striving to be the first major economy to hit net zero. We are proud to be among the biggest contributors to the UN Climate Funds, and we are working with Pacific countries to ensure you get fair access to climate finance.
As island nations, both Samoa and the United Kingdom depend on the sea for trade and livelihoods. Protecting our oceans from pollution and illegal fishing, and protecting our islands from smuggling gangs are top priorities for both our governments. I look forward to working with Samoa in any way we can to face down these threats.
The UK and Samoa proudly support the multilateral system. We believe in the rights of every country, no matter how big or small, to have their say. This shapes our approach as a Development Partner for Samoa. The UK is among the largest donors to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Global Partnership for Education, and Global Fund, and we are incredibly proud of the contribution our funding has made to education, healthcare and infrastructure outcomes on your islands.
I also hope that we can continue to cooperate on trade. Our UK-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement ensures Samoans benefit from quota free and tariff free exports to the UK, and I long to see the wonderful Samoan produce that I have enjoyed over these past few weeks on sale on British high streets.
I look forward to welcoming more Samoan students to the UK, including through Chevening, Commonwealth, and the Kings Fellowship scholarships for your best and brightest.
Our islands share a proud heritage. British names – Robert Louis Stevenson, John Williams – have echoed through Samoan history, just as Samoan names – Tuilagi, Tuigamala – have echoed around British stadiums. I hope too that we share a future – one shaped by our common commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and Commonwealth values – in which our two countries work together for a prosperous and peaceful Pacific.
I so grateful for my warm welcome here and hugely looking forward to working with the government and people of Samoa over the coming years. Fa’afetai!
