American ambassador Tom Udall wrapped off his last official visit to Samoa at the end of last month making way for a new top diplomat for the region to come through.

With the Republican Party winning the American elections, a diplomatic appointment will be made to reflect the Trump administration's priority in the region. This also puts into question the appointment of an ambassador solely for Samoa.

Udall's term was defined by the United States Embassy as an unforgettable term characterised by tenacity, creativity, and improved ties between the United States and Samoa. 

The COVID-19 pandemic spurred Ambassador Udall to take a groundbreaking step in February 2022 by presenting his credentials digitally, showcasing his dedication to serving Samoa in the face of enormous global problems.

"Serving as Ambassador to Samoa during such a transformative time has been an honour. The connections we made and the projects we started have been extraordinary, even though my tenure may have begun under unusual circumstances," Udall said.

Building bilateral ties, strengthening community resilience, and advancing common objectives in health and climate action were Ambassador Udall's top priorities throughout his tenure in office. His cooperative efforts with regional groups and the Samoan government have strengthened the long-standing alliance between Samoa and the United States and made a substantial contribution to the sustainable development of Samoa.

To highlight the mutual respect and collaboration developed during his tenure, Ambassador Udall met with important Samoan leaders during his farewell visit, including Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano. In addition to thanking the Samoan government for its assistance, Obama reiterated American commitment to Samoa and the larger Blue Pacific region.

Meeting with Brigadier General Katherine Trombley of the U.S. Army Reserve and the members of the 9th Mission Support Command (MSC) Soifua Manuia Medical Mission was a noteworthy highlight of the Ambassador's visit. For two weeks, U.S. healthcare professionals collaborated with Samoan healthcare professionals in hospitals to offer vital medical care to over 650 Samoan citizens. Ambassador Udall emphasized the significance of such activities in bolstering regional health systems by visiting the medical teams in district hospitals in Savaii and Upolu and witnessing firsthand the impact of the mission on local healthcare. 

In Savaii, Ambassador Udall also spent time with Peace Corps Volunteers and their host families, highlighting the cultural interchange and interpersonal relationships these programs promote. He highlighted the value of citizen diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and solidarity between the US and Samoa while applauding the volunteers' efforts.

The Ambassador also saw two initiatives run by Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Samoa that were financed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID): (1) the Promoting Resilience highlighted Tapuelele's disaster preparedness efforts through Essentials Pre-Positioned for Samoa (PREPS) project; and (2) the WE RISE initiative at Samalaeulu, a collaboration with Samoa Water Authority to increase community access to clean water.

Ambassador Udall leaves a legacy of cooperation, goodwill, and hope for future U.S.-Samoa ties as he gets ready for the next phase. We will be grateful for his steadfast dedication to Samoa's future.