The new United Kingdom High Commissioner to Samoa on Monday presented his credentials to the Head of State, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II.

Gareth Keith Hoar arrived in the country on Saturday and presented his credentials on Monday at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele, according to a press release issued by the Samoa Government on Monday.

The UK and Samoa have maintained close relations since the establishment of formal diplomatic ties in September 1970.  

"Our shared membership of the Commonwealth reflects our shared vision for peaceful and democratic countries based on respect for and promotion of human rights, good governance and the rule of law," read the statement issued by the Government.

The Head of State and the High Commissioner made reference in their remarks to the Head of State’s visit to the UK for the funeral of the later Queen Elizabeth II last year and the coronation last month of King Charles III which were historical milestones for both countries.

Mr. Hoar assured to continue to strengthen bilateral relations between Samoa and the U.K. during his tenure by focusing on the two nations' shared goals of social and economic development. He was Consul General to various posts including Wuhan, Melbourne and Guangzhou. 

He was also posted as First Secretary of Trade & Investments in Beijing, as Third Secretary for Press and Public Affairs to Washington and to Santiago as an Administrator Officer. Between 2017–2018 Mr Hoar took up full-time training in Mandarin and is married to Rebecca Haixiang Hoar.

The former high commissioner David Ward returned to the U.K. last Thursday after serving for over three years. The appointment of Mr. Hoar as the U.K. High Commissioner to Samoa makes him the second Head of Mission to be based out of Apia after the U.K. government decided to open the mission over three years ago.