The U.S. Embassy celebrated America's 245th independence anniversary on Thursday night with the resident diplomat highlighting relations between Samoa and the U.S. and the partnerships based on mutual interests.

The 4th of July celebration was held at the U.S. Embassy residence in Vailima with the Chargé d'affaires Jonathan Lee Yoo highlighted the relations of the people of Samoa and the United States.

"Today democracy, freedom and truth are under attack including the United States. People around the world are fighting for justice and equal rights," Mr. Yoo said.

"Climate change threatens our environment, and our health and our communities and our economic well being but we are proud that our democracy and our constitution and our commitment to rule of law, remain a source of inspiration for other democracies around the world.

"We certainly understand that these challenges are global, that is why the Biden-Harris Administration prioritised restoring alliances and recommitting to multilateral institutions. 

"We rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement and are placing climate change at the center of foreign U.S. Policy."

According to Mr Yoo, the U.S. is the biggest contributor to the COVAX Global initiative, providing over a third of the US$10 billion needed to bring COVID-19 vaccines to Samoa and countries around the world.

He said for their domestic and foreign policy the Biden-Harris Administration is prioritising gender and racial equality and advocating for every individual's dignity.

"Here in Samoa and around the world, the United States is committed to being a trusted partner for peace, progress and prosperity," he said.

Mr. Yoo said that they look forward to strengthen and expanding America–Samoa ties and they are grateful for opportunities to partner with Samoans.

He added that they are very proud of the close ties that the U.S. and Samoa have built over the last 165 years since the first American consulate was posted to Samoa in 1856.

And for the first time in over 30 years, Washington has assigned a second U.S. diplomat who is a foreign service officer to the American Embassy in Apia.

In five years the U.S. will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Independence with Mr. Yoo indicating that this year they are publicly launching America 250, which is a multi-year effort to honor their country's first 250 years.

He stated that July 4th is a time when Americans around the world celebrate their political independence and their self-governance. 

Mr. Yoo further stated that they celebrate the dedication and courage of those who created their country and celebrate the values of liberty and equality of governance

The caretaker Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi, who gave the keynote address on behalf of the host nation, emphasised the importance of Samoa-America relations.

"Samoa and the United States are both Pacific nations that share the same values of democracy, religious freedom, fair economic opportunity and human rights," he said.

"Our relations date back to the 1850s long before the official diplomatic relations were established in 1971."

Tuilaepa said that Samoa and the United States enjoy a strong working relationship to protect the environment and fisheries, promote sustainable economic development in the Pacific region.

"Congratulations to the government and people of the United States for achieving the 245 anniversary of its independence," he said.