Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam presents credentials

Apia, SAMOA – 21 April 2026 – His Excellency Mr. Phan Minh Giang, presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at a presentation of credentials ceremony held this morning at the Head of State’s official residence in Vailele, accrediting His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam to the Independent State of Samoa.

Samoa and Vietnam have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 29 March 1994.

In his remarks, His Excellency reaffirmed Viet Nam’s commitment to further strengthening the longstanding relations with Samoa.

The Ambassador highlighted the significant opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation across priority areas including trade, tourism, infrastructure and climate change while underscoring the value of increased high-level exchanges and continued collaboration in multilateral settings.

In his responding remarks, the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Samoa and Vietnam.

The Head of State noted the potential areas for bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, trade and noting the potential to further expand and diversify economic engagement. He also highlighted opportunities to strengthen collaboration in areas of sustainable resource management and climate resilience.

The Head of State acknowledged Viet Nam’s constructive partnership through the United Nations and other international platforms and expressed appreciation for continued mutual support.

BIODATA:
His Excellency brings extensive diplomatic experience to his role. He previously served as a Desk Officer in the ASEAN Department and an Intern at ASEAN Secretariat in Indonesia. From 2014 to 2017, he was posted to the Embassy of Viet Nam in Singapore, where he served as Second Secretary and later as First Secretary. He subsequently held the position of Assistant to Director General, ASEAN Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being appointed as Deputy Director General. His Excellency holds a Bachelors degree of International Relations from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and a Masters degree in International Relations from Australia. He is married with three children.