His Excellency Michel Goffin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium, presented his Letters of Credence to Samoa’s Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, during a ceremony at Vailele today.
The ceremony solidified Goffin’s appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Samoa, based in Canberra, Australia.
Samoa and Belgium have shared diplomatic relations since 1973, collaborating through the EU–OACP Partnership and the United Nations. Both nations prioritise ocean conservation and recently endorsed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
The Head of State acknowledged Belgium’s contributions to Samoa’s development through the European Development Fund, supporting water, sanitation, and community initiatives.
Goffin, a seasoned diplomat, previously served in Baghdad, Canberra, Jakarta, and as Ambassador to Pakistan and Afghanistan. He also led the EU Delegation to Laos and served as Belgium’s Director General for Political Affairs.
