Australia’s new Ambassador presents credentials

Apia, Samoa – 23 January 2024: Australia’s new Ambassador to Samoa, H.E. Mr William Carter Robinson presented his Letter of Credence to the Member of the Council of Deputies, Afioga Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati Mualia this morning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade accrediting His Excellency as the resident High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa.

Samoa and Australia have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 31 March 1971.

During the credential ceremony, H.E Mr. William Carter Robinson stated that “Australia remains committed to supporting Samoa’s vision for prosperity, including through a deepening economic partnership.”

High Commissioner Robinson pledged his commitment to working with the people and government of Samoa to strengthen bilateral ties and existing cooperation.

“As Pacific Islands Forum members, our countries are committed to a stable, secure and prosperous Blue Pacific. Nafanua III’s arrival into Samoa last week demonstrates Australia is fulfilling this commitment – we know the Nafanua III will make a real difference in helping Samoa to protect its precious marine resources and curb transnational crime.

“Australia remains committed to supporting Samoa’s vision for prosperity, including through a deepening economic partnership. In this spirit, Australia is pleased to have established new locally led partnerships, Tautai and Tautua, to deliver locally led solutions focussed on economic growth and human development.

“Our ongoing direct contributions to Samoa’s budget are a signal of Australia’s confidence in Samoa’s national systems. I also look forward to progressing a labour mobility partnership that continues to support Samoa’s impressive economic recovery in a way that works for Samoa.

“We remain committed to working with Pacific Island countries and regional partners, to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and resilient Pacific region. Australia is proud to be supporting Samoa’s preparations for hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in October this year. Australia will also upgrade Samoa’s Emergency Radio Network and the installation of Safer City CCTV throughout Apia, assisting the Police to keep the community safe.

“Australia and Samoa have deep cultural, historical, and personal ties. Australians are thrilled by the incredible talent of Samoans like Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton in the NRL. Our people-to-people links also continue to grow through skills training and scholarships in targeted sectors,” said Robinson.

(Left to Right): Ms Claire McGeechan, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner; Ms Rosie Robinson, High Commissioner’s spouse; His Excellency Mr William Robinson, Australia’s newly appointed High Commissioner to Samoa; Afioga Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati, Member of the Council of Deputies.

In his remarks, Afioga Le Mamea confirmed that Samoa and Australia’s relationship is firmly underpinned by friendship, respect and cooperation for mutual benefit and the signing of the “Bilateral Partnership Agreement – O le fala folasia i lo ta va” is evident of the close relations and cooperation between our two countries.

Afioga Le Mamea expressed that he is confident that the appointment of H.E Robinson will further strengthen the existing relations between Samoa and Australia.

Prior to his appointment as High Commissioner of Australia to Samoa, Robinson was the Director, Investment Team, Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific.

He held various senior positions whilst at DFAT, Canberra. He was an Adviser at the Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He served as Counsellor (Public Policy and Health Security) in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (2018-2020) and as Second then First Secretary at the Embassy of Australia in Manila, Philippines. (2010-2013).

He holds a Masters of International Law from the Australian National University, a Bachelor of Engineering (Information Technology and Telecommunications) from the University of Adelaide, a Bachelor of Arts from University of Adelaide and a Diploma of Languages from the University of Adelaide. H.E William Carter Robinson is married with three sons.

He arrived in Samoa on 18 January 2024 and replaces Ms Emily Luck who completed her diplomatic tour of duty on 10 January 2024.