Japan introduces new Ambassador to Samoa

By Deidre Tautua 26 April 2017, 12:00AM

Shinya Aoki is the new Ambassador of Japan to Samoa.

He was greeted and welcomed with an ava ceremony at the residence of the Head of State at Tuaefu yesterday.

Mr. Aoki then presented his letters of credence to His Highness, Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi.

 “Samoa has enjoyed a close partnership with Japan in the development of many sectors of Samoa’s economy including education, health environment, agriculture, human resource development and the infrastructure,” His Highness Tui Atua said.

“I take this opportunity to express through you, to the Government of Japan our sincere appreciation for the valuable assistance Japan has made to the development aspirations of our country.”

“I am particularly pleased that you will be the first Ambassador to be taking up a posting in Samoa, a further development to testify to the mutual goal of further strengthening relations between our two countries.”

His Highness went on to say that the two countries would continue to work closely on issues and ensure there is always a climate of goodwill.

“I am confident that during your tenure as Ambassador to Samoa, the close friendship and partnership that presently exists continue to be strengthened,” the Ambassador said in response.

The Ambassador re-affirmed Japan’s recognition of the importance of strengthening the friendship and cooperation with Samoa.

He said he would like to advance the people-to-people relationship and seek appropriate measures to intensify bilateral cooperation in economic, agriculture, tourism and trade.

Ambassador Aoki is a career diplomat. 

After graduating from Chulalongkorn University with M.A in International Relations, he entered Japan’s Foreign Ministry. 

He has served overseas in several posts in Thailand, U.S.A and Australia and his most recent posts as a diplomat where he was the Consul at the Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney, Australia in 2002. 

In 2009, he was the Counselor of Japan in Thailand. In 2013, he served as the Deputy Chief of Protocol and Director of the Official Guests Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and later in 2015 he became the Consul-General, Consulate General of Japan in Chiang Mai.

Ambassador Aoki takes over the post from former Ambassador Tuimaugaoalii Kazumasa Shibuta.

By Deidre Tautua 26 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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