Samoa will get to have a resident United States ambassador. The announcement was made by Tom Udall, the Ambassador to New Zealand and to the Independent State of Samoa.

He made the announcement at the American Independence Day celebrations held in Vailima on Thursday evening. Mr Udall is not resident in Samoa.

“I'm deeply honored to announce the exciting news that the United States government has committed to appointing a resident US ambassador in Samoa,” he said.

The US has taken significant steps this year to increase its presence in the Pacific including re-opening of an embassy in Honiara, Solomon Islands and plans to establish one in Kiribati.

Mr Udall also announced the arrival of more US Peace Corp volunteers.

“We eagerly await the arrival of our second cohort next week, who will contribute their service towards grassroots education development in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture,” he said.

“The Peace Corps mission here is that of love, peace and friendship and I can't think of a better place for that than here ensemble or a total stranger can feel at home in minutes.”

No date has been given to say when the resident ambassador to Samoa will be named and arrive into the country.