Türkiye’s Ambassador to Samoa presents credentials

Apia, SAMOA – 21 May 2026 – The Republic of Türkiye’s new Ambassador to Samoa, His Excellency Melih Karalar presented his Letter of Credence to the Member of the Council of Deputies of the Independent State of Samoa, Susuga Malietoa Moli II Malietoa, at a Credentials Ceremony this morning.

The ceremony formally accredited His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to Samoa, with residence in Wellington, New Zealand.

Samoa and Türkiye have continued to enjoy cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in April 1979.

The two countries relations is characterized by mutual respect and shared global commitments for the attainment of sustainable development goals as members of the United Nations.

Ambassador Melih Karalar reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to strengthening relations with Samoa and the Pacific region.   He highlighted that Türkiye’s hosting of the COP31 in November this year and the Pacific initiative to host a pre-COP meeting in October is seen as opportunities to strengthen cooperation in climate initiatives.

Susuga Malietoa Moli II Malietoa acknowledged Turkiye’s commitment to enhancing climate action as demonstrated through its hosting of the COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye in November this year. Malietoa expressed confidence that Ambassador Karalar’s appointment will further strengthen the friendship and cooperation between Samoa and Türkiye.

H.E Melih Karalar is a career diplomat who served in various senior positions within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye including as Head of Department for Human Resources, the Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs and as Deputy Director General for Human Resources.

Mr Maralar served in Türkiye’s overseas Diplomatic Missions including in Addis Ababa as Attaché, Türkiye’s Embassy in Manilla as Third Secretary, the Consulate-General of Türkiye in Münich as the Vice Consul, the Embassy of Turkey in Wellington as First Secretary and later became the Counsellor. He was also the Consul-General of Türkiye in Sydney.