Reception to Celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty the Emperor Hosted by the Embassy (27 February 2026)
2026/3/2
Ambassador Suzuki Delivering Remarks
Ambassador, Head of State and Deputy Prime Minister
Deputy Prime Minister’s Remarks
On the evening of 27 February 2026, the Embassy of Japan hosted a reception to celebrate the 66th Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the ballroom of Taumeasina Island Resort. The Head of State of the Independent State of Samoa, H.H. Tuimaleali’ifano Va’aletoa Sualauvi II, the Honorable Minister of Finance, Ms. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, the member of the Parliament and Judiciary, members of the diplomatic corps and international organizations, and approximately 150 representatives from government ministries, private companies, and NGOs attended the event.
In his opening address, Ambassador SUZUKI reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to democracy, peace, and the rule of law, while highlighting the Emperor’s role as the symbol of the State and the unity of the people of Japan. He underscored the longstanding friendship between Japan and Samoa since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973 and emphasized Japan’s continued cooperation with Samoa and the Pacific region in areas such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, health, education, and infrastructure development. The recent signing of the Exchange of Notes for the provision of additional meteorological observation equipment was noted as a concrete step toward strengthening Samoa’s disaster preparedness capacity.
In her remarks, the Honorable Minister of Finance, Ms. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, extended her congratulations on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor’s 66th Birthday and Japan’s National Day. She reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Samoa and Japan since 1973 and expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in the areas of infrastructure development, renewable energy, water supply, education, health services, and community development. Both countries shared their expectation that the partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared values, will continue to develop further.
At the reception, sushi prepared by Mr. HIGASHI Masayuki, the chef of the Ambassador’s Residence, was served, together with Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake and shochu, allowing guests to experience Japanese culture and hospitality.
(Reference)
Ambassador Suzuki’s Speech (PDF)
In his opening address, Ambassador SUZUKI reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to democracy, peace, and the rule of law, while highlighting the Emperor’s role as the symbol of the State and the unity of the people of Japan. He underscored the longstanding friendship between Japan and Samoa since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973 and emphasized Japan’s continued cooperation with Samoa and the Pacific region in areas such as climate resilience, disaster preparedness, health, education, and infrastructure development. The recent signing of the Exchange of Notes for the provision of additional meteorological observation equipment was noted as a concrete step toward strengthening Samoa’s disaster preparedness capacity.
In her remarks, the Honorable Minister of Finance, Ms. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o, extended her congratulations on the occasion of His Majesty the Emperor’s 66th Birthday and Japan’s National Day. She reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Samoa and Japan since 1973 and expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in the areas of infrastructure development, renewable energy, water supply, education, health services, and community development. Both countries shared their expectation that the partnership, founded on mutual respect and shared values, will continue to develop further.
At the reception, sushi prepared by Mr. HIGASHI Masayuki, the chef of the Ambassador’s Residence, was served, together with Japanese alcoholic beverages such as sake and shochu, allowing guests to experience Japanese culture and hospitality.
(Reference)
Ambassador Suzuki’s Speech (PDF)