Papua New Guinea’s High Commissioner Presents Credentials

Apia, SAMOA – 4 February 2026 – H.E. Mr. Sakias Tameo, Papua New Guinea’s accredited High Commissioner to Samoa, presented his Letters of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II at the Credentials ceremony at the official residence of the Head of State at Vailele this morning.

Samoa and Papua New Guinea have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979.

The two countries share strong links as members of the Pacific Islands Forum and continue to work closely on issues of common interest in the region.

Further, there are historical links with the extensive coverage of PNG by Samoan LMS missionaries as well as generations of young Samoans who studied in institutes in PNG in the fields of medicine, forestry, engineering and others.

During the ceremony, High Commissioner Tameo expressed his appreciation to the Head of State for accepting his Letters of Credence and reaffirmed his commitment to engage with government official, church leaders and private sector to strengthen bilateral relations with Samoa through discussion of priority areas of cooperation between Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Afioga Tuimalealiʻifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the High Commissioner and reaffirmed the Government of Samoa’s commitment to strengthening the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

He also congratulated the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on the celebration of their 50th Independence anniversary last year.

H.E. Mr. Sakias Tameo is currently serving as the High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea to New Zealand since December 2023.

He is concurrently accredited as the non-resident High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to the Cook Island, Niue and now Samoa.

H.E Tameo is a seasoned diplomat who served in various diplomatic missions including the Permanent Mission of PNG to the United Nations in New York, the High Commission of PNG in the Solomon Islands as well as Australia.

He holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Wollongong, Australia and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and Administrative Studies from University in Papua New Guinea.

H.E Tameo is also conducting courtesy calls on the Hon Prime Minister, government officials and the private sector before he departs for Wellington on Thursday, 05 February 2026.