Press Releases
Signing and Exchange of Notes Concerning Grant Aid to the Independent State of Samoa: “the Economic and Social Development Programme” (Installation of Meteorological Observation equipment)
On February 26, in Apia, the capital of the Independent State of Samoa, H.E. Mr. SUZUKI Ryotaro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Independent State of Samoa, and The Honourable Mr. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea POLATAIVAO FOSI SCHMIDIT, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Independent State of Samoa, signed and exchanged notes for “the Economic and Social Development Programme (Installation of Meteorological Observation equipment)” (project up to 436 million yen).
- In Samoa, due to the recent impacts of climate change, natural disasters such as cyclones and floods have become frequent. This project aims to enhance the accuracy of meteorological observations in the country by establishing automated weather observation systems and other equipment, thereby strengthening disaster prevention systems through the issuance of accurate and timely weather warnings.
- In the “Leaders Declaration” and the “Joint Action Plan" issued at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) held in July, 2024, Japan has announced “Climate Change and Disasters” as the priority areas of Japan’s cooperation, and this cooperation embodies the Plan.
(Reference1) Basic Data on the Independent State of Samoa
The Independent State of Samoa covers 2,830 square kilometers and has a population of 218,020 people (2024, World Bank). It has a per capita gross national income (GNI) of US$4,650 (2024, World Bank).
(Reference2) 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10)
On July 16 to 18, 2024, the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10) was co-chaired by Prime Minister Fumio KISHIDA and Prime Minister Mark BROWN of the Cook Islands, the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of 19 countries, regions and regional organization including Japan, 14 Pacific Island countries, two French overseas collectivities, Australia, and New Zealand, and the chair of Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Prime Minister Fiame represented the Independent State of Samoa.
The Government of Japan announced Japan’s commitment to continue its robust development assistance and support for more than 6,500 people-to-people exchanges as well as human resource development over the next three years based on the seven priority areas of cooperation which are in line with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent or “2050 Strategy" of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): (1) Political Leadership and Regionalism, (2) People-centered Development, (3) Peace and Security, (4) Resources and Economic Development, (5) Climate Change and Disasters, (6) Ocean and Environment, (7) Technology and Connectivity.