France Opens Its First Embassy in Samoa’s Capital Apia

API, Samoa — In a significant diplomatic development, France has officially opened its first dedicated embassy in Apia, Samoa, as announced last week by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This marks France’s inaugural embassy in the Polynesian region.

The French government stated that the establishment of the embassy will enhance relations between Samoa and its French territories, including French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Wallis and Futuna. The newly appointed Ambassador, Guillaume Lemoine, a seasoned diplomat, began his role on January 6, 2025, after serving as head of mission in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, from 2020 to 2024.

Ambassador Lemoine was received by the Samoan Head of State, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aleto’a Sualauvi II, presenting his letters of credence upon arrival in Apia on February 4. A spokesperson for the French Ministry emphasized that the opening of the embassy reflects both countries’ shared aspirations to promote peace, security, and environmental protection, particularly in light of climate change and biodiversity preservation.

“The opening of our new embassy will also facilitate France’s commitment to the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), based here in Apia,” the spokesperson added. Previously, Samoa-related diplomatic matters were managed by the French Ambassador based in Wellington, New Zealand, who also held accreditation for Samoa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that this new embassy significantly expands France’s diplomatic footprint in the Pacific, enhancing its existing network of five embassies across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Vanuatu. This expansion comes in the wake of increased needs for diplomatic representation, especially after a recent natural disaster in the region.

On December 13, 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake destroyed the building housing the French embassy in Port Vila, Vanuatu, necessitating its relocation to the French Ambassador’s residence.

France’s diplomatic scene in the Pacific continues to evolve, with Véronique Roger-Lacan serving as Ambassador to the Pacific since October 2023 from Nouméa, New Caledonia.