New Australian Envoy Takes up Office

APIA, SAMOA – 23 JUNE 2021: Australia’s new High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency, Ms. Emily Joan Luck, is taking up office this week as the two countries look to the 50th anniversary of their formal diplomatic relations.

HE Ms. Luck presented her credentials to the Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II at the Head of State’s Official residence at Vailele yesterday morning.

In her remarks, HE Ms Luck’s touched on the close partnership between Samoa and Australia which spans beyond the years of formal diplomatic relations characterized by people-to-people relations, mutual cooperation and development programs promoting healthy, educated and inclusive population.

Australia’s new High Commissioner to Samoa, Her Excellency, Ms. Emily Joan Luck

“Australia is Samoa’s largest development partner, security partner and friend in time of need. Equally, Samoa has supported Australia in good times, and in bad, including in response to the devastating bushfires in Australia in early 2020,” she said.

“Throughout 2020, and into 2021, we have faced the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we have worked to prepare for, and respond to, the social, economic and health impacts of the pandemic, including through Australia’s commitment to improve vaccine access for the Pacific.

“Australia is also committed to supporting Samoa build resilience to its security challenges, whether this is through our long-standing defence and policing partnerships, or by strengthening climate change and disaster resilience.

“Australia welcomes the regional and international leadership that Samoa has demonstrated and is pleased to be working with Samoa to establish the PACER Plus Implementation Unit and PacificAus Sports regional hub here in Apia.”

The Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II

The Head of State, Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II acknowledged that the occasion coincides with the 50 years anniversary of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Australia which is a demonstration of an enduring and close partnership shared by our two countries.

The Head of State also acknowledged Australia’s development cooperation in various areas in Samoa and encouraged the continued collaboration between Samoa and Australia to further strengthen our bilateral relations and cooperation in the multilateral forums.

H.E. Ms Luck is a career officer with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia (DFAT). She served on two diplomatic postings as First Secretary of the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and as Second Secretary of the Australian High Commission at the Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Prior to her appointment as High Commissioner to Samoa, Ms Luck was the Executive Officer to the Secretary of DFAT. She holds degrees of Bachelors of Communications and Bachelors of Education from the University of Canberra and a Graduate Certificate on Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Sydney. Ms Luck is married with two children.

H.E Ms Luck replaces HE Ms. Sara Moriarty who completed her diplomatic tour of duty last Friday 18 June, 2021.