Honourable Cabinet Ministers,

Ambassador of France, Your Excellency Guillaume Lemoine & your good lady,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa and a pleasant good evening to you all.

It is a pleasure for me to join you all this evening to celebrate Bästille Day, the national day of the French Republic. On behalf of the Government and People of Samoa, I extend through you Ambassador Guillaume (Key-om) Lemoine, our warmest congratulations to the Government and People of France on the celebration of your National Day. France’s National Day commemorates the enduring values of liberty, equality and fraternity, principles which continue to inspire nations around the world and guide France’s engagement within the international community.

This year marks 52 years of diplomatic relations between Samoa and France, founded on mutual respect, friendship and a shared commitment to multilateral cooperation. Our bilateral relations have grown since the establishment of the first resident Embassy of France in Apia in February 2025 , a demonstration of France’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Samoa and the wider Polynesian region. Through Ambassador Lemoine and the Embassy staff, we have seen a focus on strengthening cooperation and dialogue there remains the need to define what could constitute the underpinnings of a partnership between our two countries.

Like our other development partners, France supports Samoa’s development aspirations as outlined in the recently launched “Pathway for the development of Samoa —PDS2”. Through regional assistance, France leverages its support for climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, disaster preparedness, waste management, ecosystem restoration and public health resilience. These initiatives directly support some of Samoa’s national priorities and contribute to the wellbeing of our communities and environment.

As large ocean states, Samoa and France share a profound responsibility for the stewardship of our Blue Pacific Continent. Areas of

collaboration include regional maritime surveillance activities, regional disaster response exercises and environmental initiatives.

In recent months we have hosted delegations from France visiting to strengthen areas of cooperation between our two countries especially in the areas of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. The high-level visit of Senator Frassa at the beginning of this month, was a great gesture to further the partnerships.

At the regional level, Samoa appreciates France’s longstanding contribution as a Pacific Islands Forum Dialogue Partner, a founding member of both the Pacific Community and SPREP, and a committed supporter of Pacific-led development initiatives. France’s continued support for regional resilience, disaster preparedness and climate action remains highly valued throughout our Pacific family.

Our cooperation also extends to the multilateral arena, where Samoa and France continue to work closely within the United Nations and other international forums.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate France’s National Day, let us also celebrate the friendship between Samoa and France and our shared aspirations for a peaceful, resilient and prosperous future for all.

Please join me in proposing a toast:

Toast: “Best wishes for the continued prosperity of the French Republic and the growing friendship between Samoa and France. Happy National Day to the French Republic.”

Soifua and God bless.