Samoa’s Head of State, His Highness Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi has accepted the Letter of Credence for the New Ambassador-designate of Poland to Samoa, His Excellency Zbigniew Gniatkowski.
The credential ceremony was held at the Head of State's residence at Tuaefu yesterday.
In his welcoming address, His Highness touched on the closer friendship and cooperation between Samoa and Poland.
"Samoa is thankful for the assistance from Poland through its contribution in the European Development Fund for the Pacific region," said His Highness.
"Through this assistance Samoa has benefitted through the implementation of various projects in the different sectors of development for the economy. Samoa and Poland further share a common interest in the areas of international peace, security and as well as climate change which is of a particular concern to Samoa as a small island state.”
"In this connection we are pleased to see Poland hosting COP24 in 2018," he said.
His Excellency in his address said it is a privilege to be here as the first ever Ambassador of his country to Samoa.
"I am fully confident that this greatness is reflected in many aspects of your Nation's character, love for freedom and democracy, strong religious beliefs cherished by Samoan people as well as durable culture and heritage, sports achievements and unbroken commitments related to the country's stable development and the world's future.”
"I believe there is scope to further strengthen the ties between our countries and our societies will benefit from our mutual relations," he added.
H.E. Gniatkowski held the post of Foreign Minister's Special Envoy to the Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu since 2015 and was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to New Zealand in 2014.
He headed the Press and Media European Commission Representation in Warsaw from 2008 to 2014 and was the Press Counselor for Poland in the European Union in Brussels from 2004 - 2008.
He began his working career in media with the Polish Television Lublin in 1994.
Photo by MPMC