The High Commissioner – designate of Pakistan to Samoa, His Excellency, Mr. Murad Ashraf Janjua presented his letter of credence to the Head of State, Afioga Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II, at the Residence of the Head of State at Vailele this morning to be accredited as the new High Commissioner of Pakistan to Samoa with residence in Wellington New Zealand.
Samoa and Pakistan established diplomatic relations on 7 March 1983. During the credentials ceremony both the Head of State and the High Commissioner shared remarks, highlighting the close ties of friendship that both countries continue to enjoy, a friendship anchored in respect and trust in the pursuit of achieving common goals particularly, in areas of sustainable development and climate change. Samoa and Pakistan share membership in the Commonwealth, the United Nations and other multilateral organizations affirming both Samoa and Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to collective cooperation and action. The issue climate chagne is of great important to both countries and remains a focus, Samoa and Pakistan remain vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change that threaten our way of life.
H.E. Mr. Murad Ashraf Janjua has thirty years of professional experience in Bilateral and Multilateral Diplomacy. Prior to joining Minstry of Foreign Affairs in 1992, he served in Pakistan Army for four years and as a Cavalry Captain took early retirement. He has an MBA from Mercer University’s United Business Institutes, Brussels. Through a two years merit scholarship of the Government of Japan, he received a Diploma in International Development Studies from National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he served as Head of various sections including Administration, Central Asia; European Union and United Nations. Later he served as Deputy Director to the Foreign Secretary’s Office; Director Organization and Career Planning; and Deputy Chief of Protocol. His diplomatic assignments abroad include those in Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva; Embassy in Belgium and Mission to the European Commission in Brussels; Counsellor in Consulate General in Istanbul; Consul General in Barcelona and Ambassador to Turkmenistan. Prior to his appointment as High Commissioner to New Zealand, he was serving as Chief of Protocol. He is accredited to Samoa with residence in Wellington, New Zealand.
–END—
