Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa has welcomed the announcement that Samoa will have a resident United States ambassador who will be based in Apia.

The announcement was made by Tom Udall, the Ambassador to New Zealand and to the Independent State of Samoa who currently resides in Auckland.

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

Fiame said Samoa and the US continued to foster meaningful cooperation in the areas of health education, environment.

She also welcomed the news that the second lot of US Peace Corp volunteers were arriving next week.

“We are delighted to note the arrival of the next cohort. So the volunteers arrive on Monday next week to assist with work underway to build the numbers of skilled teachers and promote the efficacy of the schools,” she said.

“We note the renewed efforts of the United States to consolidate its engagement in the region in terms of presence and security networks, as well as targeted support to address the challenges of climate change, including the conservation of our livelihoods, the ocean and its resources and appreciate the maritime surveillance services of the US Coast Guard particularly in our waters given a situation when we were without a patrols.

“We are also seeing a rising interest in tactical training for our modest police force in view of international law hosting obligations in the future. As much as possible, we would like to maintain the stability and peacefulness of the Pacific region.”

Mr. Udall said on Thursday evening that the United States government has committed to appointing a resident US ambassador in Samoa.

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.