The Prime Minister of Samoa, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi is visiting Japan from 1st-6th October 2019.
Tuilaepa met with Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan and discussions focused on issues of mutual concern and further strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Samoa established diplomatic relations with Japan in1973.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed to Prime Minister Abe Samoa’s appreciation for the genuine and durable partnerships developed over the years, and acknowledged the mutual cooperation and continued assistance received from the Government of Japan.
Since establishing diplomatic relations, Japan as a key development partner for Samoa has contributed to the development of key sectors of Samoa’s economy especially in the areas of climate change, infrastructure, water and sanitation, education, maritime, connectivity and transport.
They also discussed regional priorities particularly follow up action on the PALM8 Declaration including issues such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, Pacific Climate Change Centre, maritime litter and security concerns surrounding North Korea in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The bilateral meeting between the two Prime Ministers was followed by a signing ceremony of the Exchange of Notes between the government of Samoa and the government of Japan confirming assistance from Japan to the value of ¥2,500,000,000. This assistance will secure a new inter-island vessel that will strengthen the quality of inter-island travel in Samoa.
Fa’alavaau Perina Jaqueline Sila-Tualaulelei, the Ambassador of Samoa to Japan and Kenji Wakamiya, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan signed the Exchange of Notes, which was witnessed by the Prime Ministers.
There was a joint press conference held shortly after the signing ceremony, which ended with the two Prime Ministers exchanging rugby jerseys.
The Prime Minister of Samoa will also be travelling to the Aichi Prefecture to support the Manu Samoa who will play Japan in Toyota City on the 5th October 2019.
Photo supplied Samoa Govt Media