The U.S. Embassy Apia marked America's 4th of July Independence celebration on Wednesday evening with a reception which was attended by Government leaders together with members of the diplomatic corps.

Samoa Government leaders including the Head of State, His Highness Tuimaleali’ifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and his Masiofo, Her Highness Faamausili Leinafo Tuimalealiifano as well as Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa who joined American Chargé d’Affaires, Jonathan Lee Yoo in celebrating 246 years since of the founding of the U.S. in 1776.

Fiame raised a toast to the U.S. and its people and congratulated the country on its 246 years of independence and wishes them prosperity and wellbeing. 

"It is a pleasure for me to join you all this evening to celebrate the 246th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the United States of America," the Prime Minister said.

"On behalf of the Government of the people of Samoa, I would like to convey to the Government of the people of the U.S. through you, Chargé d’Affaires, our sincere congratulations on the celebration of your 246th independence anniversary commemorating the passage of the declaration of independence signed on the 4th of July, 1776 by the continental congress. 

"We offer our best wishes and for a continued prosperity of your country and the wellbeing of all its citizens."

This year also marks 21 years of diplomatic relations between Samoa and America with the two nations cooperating in the areas of health, education, environment, exclusive economic zones security and fisheries and the Peace Corps program. 

Welcoming the Head of State and his Masiofo as well as Prime Minister Fiame and her Deputy Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio, the American diplomat said the celebration on Wednesday evening was his last to host in Samoa as his term has posting has now come to an end. 

"Tonight marks our third and final independence day in Samoa, for those of you who may or may not remember we arrived in Apia in the early days of the Pandemic," Mr Yoo said. 

"This is a good chance for me to thank the many Samoan people who welcomed my family with so much alofa, teaching me life lessons about tolerance and diplomacy. 

"We trusted Samoa to take care of our family and will never forget the warmth and generosity that we experienced here."

Mr Yoo said while they will be leaving after three years, the fact that their youngest daughter was born at the Moto'otua national hospital is a record they will keep and cherish. 

"As some of you may already know, my youngest daughter is truly made in Samoa, firstly she was born in Moto'otua, secondly she was delivered by the lovely Tiare Tuulua from Avele college and number three she has been nicknamed Fetu (Star) by her Samoan aunty.

"I believe she is the first American diplomatic child born here in a very long time and that is living proof of American trust in the independent State of Samoa. 

"So every time we look at our baby girls passport it will always say Samoa, not Western Samoa, not Pago Pago, it will always say Samoa."

The suspended M.P. for Lepa and Opposition Leader, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi also attended the celebration.