Pakistan has a new Ambassador to Samoa.

Dr. Abdul Malik presented his credentials to the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II yesterday at Vailele.

 “Our relations are based on mutual interest and common objectives in maintaining peace, development and prosperity. Pakistan and Samoa have been interacting with each other at the United Nations and other international fora,” said Dr. Malik.

Like Samoa, Dr. Malik said Pakistan attaches great importance to sustainable development and economic growth. 

 “Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with countries of the South Pacific region.”

“We wish to strengthen our ties with the Government and people of Samoa in all fields of importance. In this context, Pakistan believes that more political exchanges, people-to-people contact and focus on trade and economic interaction is important,” he added.

The Ambassador added they recently appointed an Honorary Consul of Pakistan in Samoa. 

“This would help further strengthen trade and economic ties between Samoa and Pakistan. Also, this appointment would further facilitate people-to-people contact and cultural exchanges between our two countries,” he said.

His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano welcomed Dr. Malik.

“Our diplomatic relationship has been shaped by mutual respect between our two countries and our shared common interest in the areas of peace, sustainable development and economic growth through our collaboration as members of the United Nations and other international forums.”

“I acknowledge the recognition and understanding of your Government towards the threats and challenges that Samoa and the Pacific Islands encounter as a result of Climate Change. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Government of Pakistan, in our efforts for immediate ad ambitious global actions to address the impacts of climate change,” His Highness Tuimalealiifano stated.

High Commissioner Malik was born in 1960 and holds several degrees in Bachelor of Science, MBBS and LLB. 

He served as Ambassador of Pakistan to Turkmenistan from 2015 to 2017 before taking up his current role in Wellington, New Zealand.

He is also accredited to New Zealand, Tong, Kiribati and Samoa and he replaces the former High Commissioner, Afrasiab Mehdi Hashmi, who was accredited to Samoa from October 2016 to October 2017.