Under an agreement reached during Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi's visit to Japan, Tokyo will provide 2.5 billion yen (US$23 million) in grant aid to build the ship.
The visit coincided with the Rugby World Cup being held in Japan. Japan is set to play Samoa on Saturday.
“Enhancing connectivity at sea is a priority area for Japan,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a joint press appearance with Tuilaepa following a meeting at his office.
