Member of the Council of Deputies, Le Mamea Tuiletufuga Ropati Mualia with the US Embassy new Charge d’Affairs in Samoa, Mr. Daniel Tarapacki.
By Staff Writer
US presence in Samoa and other neighbouring Pacific island countries is being expanded to “…benefit the community by ensuring meaningful and impactful engagement.”
The US Embassy new Charge d’Affairs in Samoa, Mr. Daniel Tarapacki, gave firm assurances of his country’s support after taking up his new diplomatic duties recently.
“The last several years the U.S. administration has worked to broaden and deepen its engagement with Pacific Island countries as a priority of U.S. foreign policy,” Tarapacki asserted at his official welcoming function.
He highlighted as well the “…two historic Pacific Islands Forum Summits” hosted by the US at the White House in the past 3 and half years.
The opening of new US embassies in Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu was noted including the release of “…the first ever U.S.-Pacific Partnership Strategy; and announced plans, working with Congress, to provide over $8 billion in new funding for the Pacific Islands.”
The US Charge d’Affairs pointed out the return of the Peace Corps to Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu; and increased the availability of U.S. consular services to enable easier travel.
The US Coast Guard safeguard patrol against illegal foreign fishing, partnership support and tending to medical needs by visiting missions received mention also.
For Samoa alone, health initiatives like Soifua Manuia and exchange programs like the International Visitor Leadership Programme were pointed out.
Tarapacki is on his very first assignment in the Pacific after 3 earlier overseas assignments as well as 3 others in Washington.
His arrival adds to the growing staff expansion at the embassy that includes the first ever Public Affairs Officer as well as the head of Political/Economic Affairs.
