Japan-Samoa Relations
Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands (Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the leaders exchanging uniforms of their countries’ national rugby teams
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 2, commencing at 10 a.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with Hon. Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi, Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa, who was visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting 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)
Photograph of the Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
1. At the outset, Prime Minister Abe stated that he was glad to see Prime Minister Tuilaepa again since the 8th Pacific Leaders Meeting(PALM8). Prime Minister Abe thanked Prime Minister Tuilaepa again for his great contributions to the success of PALM8. Prime Minister Abe stated that he was looking forward to a wonderful match between Samoa and Japan at the Rugby World Cup 2019. In response, Prime Minister Tuilaepa congratulated on the beginning of a new era called Reiwa, and on Japan's successful hosting of the first Rugby World Cup in Asia.
2. Regarding bilateral relations, Prime Minister Abe said that the Government of Japan has decided to invest more resources toward Pacific Island countries, and would advance initiatives focused on the areas of maritime issues, climate change and disaster risk reduction, and connectivity enhancement. Prime Minister Abe said that it was a pleasure to be able to hold a signing ceremony of the 2.5 billion yen grant aid for the construction of an international cargo/passenger vessel . In response, Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality and Japan’s assistance.
3. In addition, Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan would provide capacity building in the area of climate change at the Pacific Climate Change Center, which was recently opened in Samoa. Prime Minister Abe mentioned that Japan would provide support for countering marine litter and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Prime Minister Abe also stated that in light of requests from Pacific Island countries, a Ministerial Interim Meeting of PALM will be held in Fiji in mid-2020, and asked for Prime Minister Tuilaepa’s support for its success.
4. The two leaders also discussed regional issues such as North Korea including the launch of ballistic missiles this morning and cooperation in regional frameworks, and confirmed that they would continue to work closely together. Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding and cooperation for the early resolution of the abduction issue, and Prime Minister Tuilaepa expressed his support.
5. The meeting was followed by a signing ceremony of a grant aid for the construction of an international cargo/passenger vessel. The two leaders shared the view that they will continue to work hand in hand to strongly develop their bilateral relations and to contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Pacific Island region.
Photograph of the leaders attending the signing
ceremony and joint press announcement
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the leaders attending the signing ceremony
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the leaders attending the signing ceremony
(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)
Photograph of the leaders exchanging uniforms
of their countries’ national rugby teams
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
Photograph of the leaders exchanging uniforms
of their countries’ national rugby teams
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)