Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa has paid tribute to relations between Samoa and Japan, as the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In an address at the Samoa Arts & Cultural Centre at Malifa last Thursday evening, the Prime Minister pointed out key features of the two countries relations and described it as being "steadfast" over the years.

"It is an honour for me to join you at this evening’s reception to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Japan," said the Prime Minister. "Such a milestone reinforces the mutual and cordial bilateral relations that have remained steadfast throughout the years despite the unpredictability of the global landscape and events."

Fiamē said since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Japan, both countries have worked together on "mutual endeavours" to get development and opportunities for progress.

"The JICA volunteer programme in Samoa is an important facet of our relationship. which has benefitted our communities. The past five decades have seen great strides in our bilateral relations and support to address the priority needs of Samoa as outlined in our Pathway for the Development of Samoa. 

"Similarly, we have benefited from Japan’s annual training programs in various fields as well as through student exchange programs."

Japan government's engagement was Pacific Island nations was also acknowledged by the Samoa Prime Minister and used as an example the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) summit.

"The latest development cooperation is the delivery of the Lady Naomi IV in November 2022 enabled under the PALM 8. 

"Similarly, we received delivery in June of the TILAFAIGA patrol boat to support the Samoa Police in their maritime surveillance and law enforcement programme. This shows Japan’s commitment to our partnership for maritime security.

"We look forward to the continuation of the cordial bilateral relations and partnership between Samoa and Japan for the betterment of our two countries and our peoples."

It is not clear if the reference to "unpredictability of the global landscape and events" by Fiamē in her speech denoted the current challenges Japan is facing in the Pacific Islands, as it continues to respond to growing concerns from the region over its decision to dump radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka last week released a statement saying he has accepted the position of Japan's government on the safety of the radioactive wastewater's release into the Pacific Ocean. 

It remains to be seen whether the Samoan Prime Minister and her Government will take a similar position with the Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna and other regional leaders continuing to push for a delay in the release of the wastewater.