Matthew Younger has taken up his new role as Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Apia, beginning his posting with meetings with Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt and members of Cabinet.
Younger officially assumed the position on 16 September 2026 and began introductory meetings with the Samoan Government soon after his arrival.
According to the U.S. Embassy, discussions covered priorities in the relationship between Samoa and the United States, including sustainable economic growth, regional cooperation in the Pacific and strengthening institutional and people-to-people ties.
“It is a privilege to lead the U.S. mission in Samoa at this critical juncture in our bilateral relationship,” Younger said.
The Embassy said the meetings reflected continued cooperation between the two countries on regional security, resilience and economic development.
Younger brings diplomatic experience from several postings around the world. Before coming to Samoa, he served as Political and Economic Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia. He has also worked in Bangkok, Panama, Vientiane, Dakar and Jakarta.
In Washington, D.C., Younger served as an adviser to the Office of the Coordinator on Global Anti-Corruption and previously worked as the New Zealand and Samoa Desk Officer.
Before joining the U.S. State Department, he served in the United States Marine Corps and worked in the farming, fishing and timber industries.
Younger holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and an MBA from Portland State University. He is also a graduate of the Marine Corps Command and Staff College.
The U.S. Embassy said it would continue working with the Government of Samoa to expand bilateral cooperation and support regional stability in the Pacific.
This article is based on a media release issued by the United States Embassy in Apia.
