Reception to celebrate the Emperor's Birthday hosted by the Embassy
2025/2/26
Ambassador's Speech
Prime Minister's Speech
Ambassador SUZUKI with the Head of State
On the evening of 21 February, a reception to celebrate the Emperor's Birthday hosted by the Embassy was held in the ballroom of the Taumeasina Island Resort. The Head of State Tuimaleali'ifano, Prime Minister Fiame, Deputy Prime Minister Tuala, Minister of Public Enterprises Leatiniuu, Leader of the Opposition Party Tuilaepa, Senior Justice Vui, members of the diplomatic corps and international organisations, about 150 people from government ministries, companies, NGOs, etc. attended.
1. In his opening address, Ambassador Suzuki noted that as both Samoa and Japan are island nations in the Pacific Ocean and neighbouring countries, the ties between the two countries are long and deep, and he introduced the activities of JOCV volunteers and JICA experts in the fields of water supply and waste disposal that began in 1974, explaining that people-to-people exchanges form the basis of exchanges between Japan and Samoa at the national level, he touched on PALM, the summit meeting between Japan and the Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, and mentioned Prime Minister Fiame’s attendance at PALM 10, which was held in Tokyo in July 2024. He also mentioned the UNDP partnership and the PCCC, saying that climate change is the greatest security threat in the region, and that Japan is responding to this by providing support for measures to combat climate change. Finally, he mentioned the cooperation between the two countries in multilateral fora such as the UN, and as an ambassador, he expressed his determination to continue working with the Samoan government to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
2. Prime Minister Fiame said that Japan and Samoa have built a strong friendship that has continued to prosper over many years, and that Japan and Samoa established diplomatic relations in 1973, and this year marks the 52nd year since the two countries established a mutually beneficial partnership. She also said that Japan, like other development partners, has provided generous support through development cooperation, including the dispatch of JICA volunteers, procurement of a new drilling rig for the Samoan Water Authority (SWA) under the Economic and Social Development Programme through Grant Aid, construction of a new health sciences campus at the National University of Samoa, and the handover of vehicles and the construction of schools through Grant Aid for Grassroots Human Security Projects, as well as the important role that high-level reciprocal visits play in strengthening cooperation and commitment in bilateral relations, including former Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s visit in February 2024 and the visit to Japan of a delegation from the Ministry of Justice, including the Minister of Justice, with the aim of supporting democratic governance, as well as her own attendance at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in Tokyo in July of the same year, and her bilateral meeting with then Prime Minister Kishida, she referred to discussions on cooperation in line with the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which introduced the activities that respond to the needs of Samoa and the implementation of bilateral assistance, and concluded her speech by praying for the health and prosperity of His Majesty the Emperor and for the continued friendship between Samoa and Japan.
3. At this reception, sushi was prepared by the Japanese chef , Mr. HIGASHI Masayuki of the Ambassador’s Residence and Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake and shochu were served.
1. In his opening address, Ambassador Suzuki noted that as both Samoa and Japan are island nations in the Pacific Ocean and neighbouring countries, the ties between the two countries are long and deep, and he introduced the activities of JOCV volunteers and JICA experts in the fields of water supply and waste disposal that began in 1974, explaining that people-to-people exchanges form the basis of exchanges between Japan and Samoa at the national level, he touched on PALM, the summit meeting between Japan and the Pacific Island countries, including Samoa, and mentioned Prime Minister Fiame’s attendance at PALM 10, which was held in Tokyo in July 2024. He also mentioned the UNDP partnership and the PCCC, saying that climate change is the greatest security threat in the region, and that Japan is responding to this by providing support for measures to combat climate change. Finally, he mentioned the cooperation between the two countries in multilateral fora such as the UN, and as an ambassador, he expressed his determination to continue working with the Samoan government to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
2. Prime Minister Fiame said that Japan and Samoa have built a strong friendship that has continued to prosper over many years, and that Japan and Samoa established diplomatic relations in 1973, and this year marks the 52nd year since the two countries established a mutually beneficial partnership. She also said that Japan, like other development partners, has provided generous support through development cooperation, including the dispatch of JICA volunteers, procurement of a new drilling rig for the Samoan Water Authority (SWA) under the Economic and Social Development Programme through Grant Aid, construction of a new health sciences campus at the National University of Samoa, and the handover of vehicles and the construction of schools through Grant Aid for Grassroots Human Security Projects, as well as the important role that high-level reciprocal visits play in strengthening cooperation and commitment in bilateral relations, including former Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s visit in February 2024 and the visit to Japan of a delegation from the Ministry of Justice, including the Minister of Justice, with the aim of supporting democratic governance, as well as her own attendance at the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 10) held in Tokyo in July of the same year, and her bilateral meeting with then Prime Minister Kishida, she referred to discussions on cooperation in line with the 2050 strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, which introduced the activities that respond to the needs of Samoa and the implementation of bilateral assistance, and concluded her speech by praying for the health and prosperity of His Majesty the Emperor and for the continued friendship between Samoa and Japan.
3. At this reception, sushi was prepared by the Japanese chef , Mr. HIGASHI Masayuki of the Ambassador’s Residence and Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake and shochu were served.
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