The Prime Minister of Japan, Suga Yoshihide, has conveyed a congratulatory message to Samoa’s new Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.

In a congratulatory letter he sent to Prime Minister Fiame, he expressed his intention to cooperate with her to further develop cordial relations between Japan and Samoa.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Japan, I would like to convey my warmest congratulations on your appointment as Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa,” said Mr. Suga.

He also added that Japan has long built deep cooperative relations with the Independent State of Samoa as friends connected by the Pacific Ocean, and as important partners in the international arena.

“I am confident that the Independent State of Samoa will further develop under your distinguished leadership, and Japan will continue our cooperation for the sustainable development of your country.

“Japan will further strengthen cooperation with the Pacific Islands countries based on Japan’s Pacific Bond (KIZUNA) Policy, which was announced at the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting in early July.”

He also said that he looks forward to working with Fiame hand in hand towards realisation of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.

“Please accept my heartfelt wishes for your good health and the further prosperity of the Independent State of Samoa.”

The congratulatory messages for the country’s new leader began on Friday night after the late afternoon delivery of the Appellate Court’s ruling.

New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern was the first to congratulate Fiame, followed by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Stephen Brown and Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Henry Puna.

The Prime Minister of Fiji, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has also extended congratulations to Samoa's new P.M.

The Foreign Ministry of the People’s Republic of China published a note of congratulations to Fiame online after former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi finally conceded defeat on Monday afternoon.

The U.N. Secretary-General congratulated Fiame on becoming the first woman Prime Minister of Samoa on Tuesday afternoon.