After two years serving in Samoa as the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Jonathan Lee Yoo and his family left Samoa this week with more than just fond memories.
Savali reported that Lee Yoo arrived in Samoa in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and throughout his tenure has learned life lessons of tolerance and diplomacy from the people of Samoa.
“We trusted Samoa to take care of our family and we’ll never forget the warmth and generosity that we experienced here,” Mr. Lee Yoo said.
But before departing for home, Lee Yoo final official duties was hosting the formal celebration of his country’s 246 years of Independence at his Vailima residence Wednesday evening with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa leading the lists of invited guests.
Highlighting assistance from the United States to Samoa, Prime Minister Fiame tributed the U.S. contribution and various forms of assistance to improve health, education, environment, climate change, and in particular the Peace Corps.
“The Peace Corps programme has been the foundation of U.S. assistance to Samoa with a focus on education targeting improvement of literacy and numeracy in primary schools,” Fiame said.
She also extended Samoa’s appreciation and fa’afetai to the outgoing diplomat.
“Thank you, Jonathon Lee Yoo, for the hard work done during your tenure in Samoa,” she said.
“You arrived in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when every pair of hands was welcomed to help protect and keep everyone safe.”
Samoa established diplomatic relations with Samoa 51 years ago, a milestone that the Prime Minister says reaffirms the continuing beneficial ties between the two countries characterized by mutual respect and shared values of democracy.
Lee Yoo and his family departed Samoa on Thursday for Washington DC and will his services for his country with US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change.
Source: Marc Membere: Savali
