Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi is the New High Commissioner Pakistan to Samoa.

He was officially welcomed yesterday by the Head State Head of State, His Highness, Tui Atua Tamasese Efi at his Tua’efu residence. His wife, Asia Afraisiab accompanied him.

The welcoming ceremony started with a traditional ava ceremony followed by the presentation of Mr. Hashmi’s letter of credence to the Head of State. 

 “It is a matter of great satisfaction that Pakistan and Samoa enjoy cordial and friendly relations. Our relations are based on mutual interest and common objectives in maintaining peace, development and prosperity,” he said.

“The Independent State of Samoa successfully held the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States in Apia in September, 2014. Pakistan participated in the conference. Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with countries of the South Pacific region.”

 Lastly, he said they are looking forward to strengthening the ties between the two governments in all fields of importance.

In accepting the letter of credence, His Highness Tui Atua said: “I echo your sentiments on the close and friendly association between Samoa and Pakistan over the years, which has guided our collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and promoting issues of mutual importance to the development and prosperity of not only our two countries but the international community as well.

“Thank you for your sentiments regarding the recent S.I.D.S conference in Samoa

“The success of the S.I.D.S Conference was mainly due in part of the support Samoa received from its partners. As such we are most grateful for the continuous support and value Pakistan holds for S.I.D.S.

“I am also pleased to note your continuing support and pursuit of the issues that are much importance to both our countries especially climate change and sustainable development.

“I am confident that during your tenure, the close relationship that presently exists between our two governments will continue and will be further strengthened.”

Mr. Hashmi started his diplomatic career when he joined the Foreign Service of Pakistan in 1984. Since then, he has done posting in the various Embassies of Pakistan. 

Hashmi served as Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan to India which followed being appointed as the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh in 2011-2014.

Aside from his expertise in foreign international relations, Mr. Hashmi writes books on subjects of foreign and international relations of Pakistan and other subjects including US Foreign Service, Theology and Face Reading. 

Mr. Hashmi and his spouse will depart Samoa on Saturday for New Zealand where they are residing.