Japan-Samoa Relations
Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting and Dinner
Photograph of the Prime Minister welcoming the Prime Minister of Samoa
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photograph of the ceremony by the guard of honor Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the ceremony by the guard of honor (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On May 15, commencing at 6:15 p.m. for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa, who is paying an Official Visit to Japan, which was followed by a dinner with Prime Minister Tuilaepa. The overview is as follows.
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
1. Prime Minister Abe welcomed Prime Minister Tuilaepa to Japan. He looked forward to meaningful discussions at the Eighth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) on deepening partnership and strengthening cooperation between Japan and Pacific Island countries, and to holding a successful PALM8 together with Prime Minister Tuilaepa. Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality provided by the Government of Japan. The Prime Minister stated that this was his first Official Visit to Japan, and thanked the Japanese Government for arranging a seamless schedule of activities followed by his PALM co-chair activities. Prime Minister Tuilaepa stated that PALM was a vital framework which is key to Japan-PALM country relationships.
2. Prime Minister Abe announced the intention of the Government of Japan to provide a grant aid of approximately 200 million yen for the provision of medical equipment, adding that the Government would continue to support the self-sustaining and sustainable development of Samoa. Prime Minister Tuilaepa thanked Prime Minister Abe for the Japanese assistance provided to the critical sectors of Samoa over many years. In addition, the leaders agreed to strengthen sports and people-to-people exchanges.
3. Prime Minister Abe hoped to work with Prime Minister Tuilaepa for the implementation of Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy. Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed recognition regarding the importance of the partnerships under this strategy. Furthermore, the leaders shared the view that they would work together to address the regional situation, including North Korea, and enhance their cooperation in the international arena.
Photograph of the joint press announcement
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the joint press announcement
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the leaders exchanging uniforms
of their countries’ national rugby teams
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
4. Following the Summit Meeting, Prime Minister Abe conferred the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun to Prime Minister Tuilaepa, expressing appreciation and respect towards the achievements of Prime Minister Tuilaepa who has long contributed to strengthening the relationship between Japan and Samoa, as well as between Japan and the Pacific Island countries overall.
Photograph of the Prime Minister
presenting the award
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the Prime Minister presenting the award
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
The dinner that followed took place in a very relaxed atmosphere, during which the leaders exchanged views on a broad range of topics.