Samoa joined France yesterday evening in celebrating its first ever reception to mark the French Bāstille Day, at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum at Vailima.
This is the French Republic’s National Day commemorated on the 14th of July marking the anniversary of the storming of the Bāstille in 1789.
This was one of France most iconic events of the French Revolution, where thousands of citizens besieged the prison to liberate the weapons from its armory and to free any political prisoners held there.
The reason, fears at the time of King Louis XVI arresting Frances newly constituted National Assembly.
Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa in her address however emphasised that the commemoration marks more than just the anniversary of the storming of the Bāstille.
“…it stands as a proud reminder of the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity; principles that resonate universally and inspire our efforts in attaining peace, justice, and democracy.”
She congratulated the Government and People of France on the celebration of its National Day.
The reception is the first ever held in Samoa to celebrate this national day since the ties between the two governments and its people.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on 1 March 1974, Samoa and France have enjoyed cordial relations based on mutual trust and respect,” said Fiame.
Adding that the bilateral partnership between the two countries has been further strengthened with the establishment of its Embassy in Samoa, that was also marked by the arrival of the first resident Ambassador in early February this year.
In doing that she said, “Samoa as the first French Embassy in Polynesia, places prominence on the recognition of our growing bilateral relations as well as a significant step in France’s engagement with the Blue Pacific continent.”
Prime Minister Fiame spoke of when she attended the Third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France last month – it was a timely opportunity reinforcing the shared commitment to ocean conservation and the protection of marine biodiversity, jointly with partners to accelerate the implementation of the SDG14 “Life below water”
“Samoa welcomed France’s strong leadership in promoting the sustainable use and the conservation of our oceans and resources therein, an area of priority and hugely significant to the development of Small Islands Developing States.”
France’s active role as a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, plus its support through the Pacific Fund continue to provide tangible benefits to the Pacific.
Fiame congratulated His Excellency Lemoine and his Good Lady for successfully hosting the first French Republic’s national day reception in Samoa before urging for Samoa and France to continue working together ‘to build a resilient platform for meaningful engagement’.
She closed her remarks by purposing a toast; “Best wishes for the continued prosperity of the French Republic and the growing friendship between Samoa and France. Happy National Day to the French Republic”.
The event was attended by the Head of State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Ambassador of France to Samoa Guillaume Lemoine, and leader of the Human Rights Protection Party, the infamous Tupa’i Bruno, Members of the Diplomatic Corps and friends and families.
