United Kingdoms’ new High Commissioner presents credentials

APIA, SAMOA – 19 JUNE 2023: The new High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Samoa presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele this morning.

HE Mr Gareth Keith Hoar and his wife, Rebecca Haixiang Hoar arrived in Samoa in the weekend.

The United Kingdom and Samoa have maintained close relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in September 1970.

The Head of State and the High Commissioner made reference in their remarks to the Head of State’s visit to the UK for the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the recent coronation in May 2023 of King Charles III which were historical milestones.

They also referred to the shared membership of the Commonwealth that reflects the shared vision for peaceful and democratic countries based on respect for and  promotion of human rights, good governance and the rule of law.

HE Mr Gareth Keith Hoar and his wife, Rebecca Haixiang Hoar with the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at the Credentials at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele this morning.

HE Mr Hoar assured to continue to strengthen bilateral relations between Samoa and the United Kingdom during his tenure by focusing on our shared goals of social and economic development.

Before his appointment as High Commissioner to Samoa, HE Mr Gareth Keith Hoar was Consul General to various posts including Wuhan, Melbourne and Guangzhou. He was also posted as First Secretary of Trade & Investments to Beijing, as Third Secretary for Press and Public Affairs to Washington and to Santiago as an Administrator Officer.  From 2017 to 2018, he took up full time training in Mandarin. HE Gareth Hoar is married to Rebecca Haixiang Hoar.