Staff Reporters/
Apia, Samoa – 4 February 2025 – France is establishing a permanent Embassy in Apia after 50 years of cordial diplomatic relations that were established 01 March 1974.
His Excellency Mr Guillaume Lemoine was accredited as the first resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Samoa after he presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a credentials ceremony at the Head of State’s official residence at Vailele held this morning.
“With over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the establishment of a permanent French Embassy in Apia is a historical step forward, which will contribute to strengthening the ties with Samoa and the French territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna,” said Guillaume Lemoine.
The Head of State echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments and stated that the decision to set up an Embassy in Samoa “…places prominence on the recognition of our growing relations and the mutual respect we have for each other.”
His Excellency Mr Guillaume Lemoine, Ms Olivia de Saint-Luc, the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi 11 and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano.
Both the Head of State and the Ambassador acknowledged the contributions of Ms Zita Martel as the French Honorary Consul in Samoa for the last 25 years in strengthening bilateral relations through the promotion of culture and friendship.
Afioga Tuimalealiifano said that he is confident that the appointment of H.E Guillaume Lemoine as the first Ambassador of France to Samoa with residence in Apia, will further strengthen the existing relations between our two countries.
His Excellency Mr Guillaume Lemoine holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science Management, a Post-graduate degree in Computerization of Organizations and is a former student of the Paris Institute of Political Studies.
He is a career diplomat who served in various diplomatic missions of France in Athens, Beirut, Kuwait and Lomé. Mr Lemoine was the Ambassador of France to Papua New Guinea prior to his appointment as the first resident Ambassador of France to Samoa. He was awarded distinctions in Medal of Honour of Foreign Affairs and as Knight of the National Order of Merit. Mr Guillaume Lemoine is married to Ms Olivia de Saint-Luc and they have three daughters.
