Samoa Observer reporter in Japan for P.A.L.M. VIII

16 May 2018, 12:00AM

Samoa Observer reporter, Nefertiti Matatia, is in Japan this week.

Ms. Matatia is honouring an invitation from the Japanese government to cover the events of the week of the 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (P.A.L.M.) in Fukushima.

Ms. Matatia is joining other colleagues from around the region for the media programme as part of P.A.L.M.

She left Samoa during the weekend.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is leading Samoa’s delegation to Japan. Since the beginning of P.A.L.M., Prime Minister Tuilaepa has not missed a meeting.

As the Chairman of the Pacific Islands Forum (P.I.F.), Tuilaepa and Pacific leaders will meet Japan’s Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

The three-yearly meeting of P.A.L.M. sets the framework for Japan’s co-operation with P.I.F. for the next three years and is an invaluable opportunity for P.I.F. leaders to discuss a range of issues with Japan as a collective and bilaterally at the highest level.

Issues to be discussed by P.I.F. leaders with Prime Minister Abe include Japan’s new strategic development initiative titled the “Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy” and P.I.F. priorities as articulated in the 2017 Forum Communique.  

The “Blue Pacific” identity endorsed by P.I.F. leaders at their meeting in Samoa last year calls for inspired leadership and was recognised by leaders as the core driver of collective action for advancing the leaders vision under the framework for Pacific regionalism.

During P.A.L.M. 8 this week, delegations will have the opportunity to meet bilaterally with Mr. Abe as well as with Japan’s heads of cooperation of businesses to discuss trade and investment opportunities and possible cooperation including in tourism, agriculture, fisheries and people to people relations.

16 May 2018, 12:00AM
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