By Staff Writer
The first French ambassador to set up in Samoa, officially took up diplomatic duties today.
His Excellency Mr Guillaume Lemoine, presented his Letter of Credence to the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, in his first order of business.
The official ceremony of accreditation was at the Head of State’s official residence in Vailele this morning.
Samoa and France have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 1 March 1974.
The Ambassador noted that with over 50 years of diplomatic relations, the establishment of a permanent French Embassy in Apia is a historical step forward, which will contribute to strengthening the ties with Samoa and the French territories of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna.
The Head of State echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments and stated that the decision to set up an Embassy in Samoa “…places prominence on the recognition of our growing relations and the mutual respect we have for each other.”
Ambassador Lemoine, holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science Management, a Post-graduate degree in Computerization of Organizations and is a former student of the Paris Institute of Political Studies.
He is a career diplomat who served in various diplomatic missions of France in Athens, Beirut, Kuwait and Lomé.
Mr Lemoine was the Ambassador of France to Papua New Guinea prior to his appointment as the first resident Ambassador of France to Samoa.
He was awarded distinctions in Medal of Honour of Foreign Affairs and as Knight of the National Order of Merit.
The Ambassador and his good lady, Ms Olivia de Saint-Luc, have three daughters.