Samoa–United States relations

Bilateral relations between Samoa and the United States are considered cordial and warm.

History

Since 1967, the United States has supported a substantial Peace Corps program in Samoa. Over 1,700 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Samoa over that time, with 30 Volunteers currently in-country. The Peace Corps program emphasizes English literacy at the primary school level. Other forms of U.S. assistance to Samoa are limited. The U.S. Embassy, staffed by a single officer, is the smallest Embassy in Samoa and one of the few one-officer U.S. Embassies in the world.^{[citation needed]}

The United States and Samoa signed the Shiprider Agreement on June 2, 2012, coinciding with the Samoan Golden Jubilee marking the country's 50th anniversary of independence.^[1] The bilateral agreement allows Samoan law enforcement personnel to enforce maritime law and fisheries regulations on board U.S. Coast Guard ships.^[1] The agreement applies to officers of the Samoan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and uniformed personnel of the Samoan Ministry of Police and Prison and the United States Coast Guard.^[1] Former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi and United States Ambassador to Samoa David Huebner were the signatories of the agreement.^[1]

The current interim U.S. Ambassador to Samoa is Chargé d'Affaires Kevin Covert, accredited to both New Zealand and Samoa, who took over after the resignation of the Senate-confirmed Scott Brown. On July 16, 2021 US President Joe Biden nominated Udall to serve as United States Ambassador to Samoa and New Zealand; he has confirmed December 2, 2021.^[2]