RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE AMBASSADOR OF SWITZERLAND, HE VIKTOR VAVRICKA

REMARKS by the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, Honourable Fiame Naomi Mata'afa [Wednesday 9 April, 2025]

Pastor Samoa Unoi,

Your Excellency, Viktor Vavricka and your good lady,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.

It is a pleasure to join you this evening to celebrate the growing relations between Samoa and Switzerland. In that regard let me extend a very warm welcome to Your Excellency, Ambassador Viktor Vavricka and your good lady. I also congratulate you on your accreditation yesterday as the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Samoa.

We look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen the connections between our two nations.

Samoa and Switzerland have enjoyed cordial relationship over four decades underpinned by mutual respect and our shared aspirations for sustainable development.

Switzerland's invaluable support has played a crucial role in advancing Samoa's interests on the global stage. We acknowledge Switzerland's financial assistance to support the establishment in 2022 of Samoa's Embassy and Permanent Mission in Geneva, which serves as a vital platform for multilateral diplomacy to engage especially with UN agencies such as WTO, Human Rights, FAO and UNESCO.

Your country's generosity in this regard reflects its steadfast commitment to supporting small island developing states in amplifying their voices in the international arena.

Switzerland's contribution and investment in the Green Climate Fund GCF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has benefitted Samoa through climate resilient projects for Small island developing states. These projects have continued to significantly assist Samoa in building resilience against climate change, promoting sustainable economic growth, and enhancing our disaster preparedness.

Excellency, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the contribution made by Mrs. Sylvie Salanoa as the Swiss Honorary Consul to Samoa especially through Switzerland's small grant aid which has benefitted our local community. Her dedication has added to fostering stronger ties between our two nations.

Excellency, I am assured that your tenure as the Ambassador of Switzerland to Samoa will present new opportunities for collaboration and sustained progress in our relations.

Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in proposing a toast: "To the close and enduring relations between Samoa and Switzerland".

Soifua and God bless.

Photo by the Government of Samoa (Peseta Tusiga Taofiga)

April 25, 2025