U.S. New Chargé d’Affaires to Samoa, hits the Ground Running

Apia, SAMOA – 22 September 2026 – The U.S. Embassy in Apia, Samoa, is pleased to announce the arrival of its newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Matthew Younger, who officially assumed his position on September 16, 2026.

Upon arrival, the Chargé d’Affaires commenced immediate bilateral engagements, conducting introductory courtesy calls with Honorable Prime Minister, Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and his honorable ministers of the Cabinet. Consultations centered on advancing U.S.–Samoa strategic priorities, including sustainable economic growth, Pacific regional architecture, and deepening institutional and people-to-people partnerships.

“It is a privilege to lead the U.S. mission in Samoa at this critical juncture in our bilateral relationship,” said the Chargé Younger.

“Our engagement with the Prime Minister and Cabinet members reflects a shared commitment to a secure, resilient, and prosperous Pacific region founded on mutual respect and shared democratic principles.”

U.S. Embassy Apia remains dedicated to expanding bilateral cooperation and supporting regional stability in coordination with the Government of the Independent State of Samoa.

Prior to serving as the Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Samoa, Matt Younger previously headed the Political and Economic Section at the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia, and Economic Officer in the State Department Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, where he covered supply chains, labor, and environmental issues.

He has also served in Bangkok, Panama, Vientiane, Dakar, and Jakarta, and in Washington, D.C. as advisor to the Office of the Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption and as the New Zealand and Samoa Desk Officer. Prior to joining the State Department, he served in the United States Marine Corps and worked in the farming, fishing and timber industries.

He has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and an MBA from Portland State University and is a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.