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What's up around the Prime Minister > February, 2005 |
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Japan-Samoa Summit Meeting
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi met with Mr. Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa and the Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. At the meeting, the two leaders discussed about the Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM) and their bilateral cooperation among other topics. Chair Tuilaepa remarked, "The PALM, which has been held every three years (the first meeting in Tokyo in 1997, the second in Miyazaki in 2000 and the third in Okinawa in 2003), has been very beneficial. I greatly appreciate Japan for hosting these meetings." In response to this comment, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "As the PALM has been held every three years, Japan would like to explore the possibility of holding another meeting next year." As for the bilateral relations between Japan and Samoa, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said, "With regard to the reform of the Security Council of the United Nations, Samoa supports Japan's candidacy for permanent membership in the Security Council. My understanding is that the members of the PIF are also in support of Japan's candidacy." Prime Minister Koizumi then said, "Japan enjoys good relations with the Pacific island countries, particularly with Samoa. I would like to express my appreciation for Samoa's participation in the joint museum of the Pacific island countries at the Exposition of Global Harmony (2005 World Exposition), which will start next month." Prime Minister Koizumi also expressed his appreciation for the support shown by Samoa with respect to Japan's candidacy for permanent membership in the Security Council. Prime Minister Tuilaepa then stated that, "The areas of interest for Samoa are education and health. We appreciate the assistance provided by Japan in the area of education. As for the health issue, obesity and high blood pressure in addition to tropical diseases are our concerns, and the diet modifications remain to be solved." At the end of the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "Japan places importance on its relationship with the Pacific island countries. Looking ahead to the PALM next year, the visit to Japan by Prime Minister Tuilaepa was very timely. It is important for Japan and Samoa to consider, what is essential ahead of next year's PALM."
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