PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS OF THE AMBASSADOR OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC TO THE INDEPENDENT STATE OF SAMOA

[PRESS RELEASE – Thursday 27 March 2025] – His Excellency Mr. Antonio Albuquerque Moniz presented his Letters of Credence to the Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, at a Credentials Ceremony held this morning at the Official Residence of the Head of State at Vailele, accrediting His Excellency as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Portugal to Samoa with residence in Canberra, Australia.

Samoa and Portugal have enjoyed cordial relations since the establishment of formal ties on 9 June 1995. The two countries collaborate in multilateral fora, including the United Nations, to address global challenges such as climate change, ocean governance, and sustainable development. Ambassador Moniz reaffirmed Portugal’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Samoa, highlighting Portugal’s ongoing support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and its engagement in the Pacific region through its application to become a Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum.

Afioga Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II welcomed the Ambassador and acknowledged the growing partnership between Samoa and Portugal. He expressed appreciation for Portugal’s advocacy on climate action and ocean conservation, as well as its contributions to international development initiatives that align with Samoa’s priorities. The Head of State conveyed his confidence that Ambassador Moniz’s tenure will further enhance the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

H.E. Mr. Antonio Albuquerque Moniz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Lisbon. He joined Portugal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1991 and held various senior positions, including Head of Visa Services and Movement of Persons within the Directorate-General for Consular Affairs. His diplomatic career includes postings at Portugal’s missions in Vienna and Warsaw, as well as serving as Deputy Head of Mission in Berlin. In 2015, he was appointed Consul General at Portugal’s Consulate in Paris. He later served as Portugal’s Ambassador to Cape Verde in 2020 before assuming his current role as Ambassador of Portugal to Australia in 2023. Mr Antonio A. Moniz is married and has one daughter.

END

SOURCE – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Photos by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)

April 10, 2025