The Ambassador of Japan to Samoa, Genischi Terasawa, thanked the country for the hospitality and warmth shown to him during his two-year posting in Samoa at a farewell event on Tuesday evening.

The farewell was held at the Taumeasina Island Resort and was attended by Government officials and members of the diplomatic corps.

In his keynote address, Ambassador Terasawa reminisced on his term as Japan's Ambassador to Samoa; he delivered half of his speech in Samoan.

"My two-year posting as an ambassador was entirely occupied by the State of  Emergency,” he said.

“Immediately after my arrival in November 2019, a measles epidemic broke out and the State of  Emergency was declared. Just after the measles had subsided, a COVID 19 pandemic occurred and a State of  Emergency was declared again. I have never enjoyed a  normal Samoan life without a State of  Emergency.

"Japan worked with other development partners to support COVID-19 vaccines  and medical equipment, hoping that this country could return to normal as soon  as possible. 

"The fact that no community-acquired infections have ever occurred  in Samoa thanks to the united efforts of the Samoan government, health workers  and the public. I would like to express my deepest respect for the efforts of  everyone in Samoa."

He said that during his time in office Japan held the 9th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (P.A.L.M.9.) with Pacific island countries including Australia and New Zealand. 

"We discussed the economic and social difficulties caused by global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and pandemics. As one of the outcomes of the meeting,  Japan launched the Pacific Bond (Kizuna) Policy to further strengthen cooperation with island countries to overcome those challenges," he said.

"Additionally, I made a lot of friends here in Samoa. I especially enjoyed picking up plastic wastes on the beach and running a fundraising marathon event for charity with the Samoan citizens.

“It was also my pleasure to be able to support the activities of [the Samoa Victim Support Group] and social welfare organisations.”

His successor will arrive in the country this month. 

"I think the new Ambassador will also strive to further promote the cooperation between Japan and Samoa under the Pacific Bond policy. Please support my successor as well," he said.

"In conclusion, I would like to reiterate my sincere gratitude to all of you for your support and friendship to further develop the strong partnership between Japan and Samoa."

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa addressed Tuesday's event, at which she highlighted the Ambassador's work for the country.

"Excellency, your tenure as Ambassador of Japan to Samoa for two years even though short has been impactful because you have worked persistently to enhance and strengthen our bilateral relations," Fiame said.

"Samoa has continued to benefit significantly through Japan’s development cooperation programmes. 

"Through its grassroots programmes for community development, the economic and social development programme and through grant aid and technical cooperation to address needs in the education, health, environment and transport sectors.

"We do recall that when you arrived in the midst of the measles epidemic in 2019, you were instrumental and quickly deploying a medical team from Japan together with supplies to support our national emergency response.".

She added that Japan’s grassroots schemes provides not only the outreach of development assistance to communities but also enhanced visibility for Japan’s assistance particularly in the rural areas. 

"Recently we had witnessed the handover of the Manono Wharf terminal building and the various primary school projects in a number of villages in both Upolu and Savaii," the Prime Minister said.

Fiame had then explained that Samoa has also benefitted from Japan’s contribution to regional projects delivered through the multilateral system. 

"I would like to express my sincere appreciation on your efforts and significant achievements during your short tenure in Samoa. I hope you have enjoyed your time in Samoa, and that upon your return to Japan, you will continue to promote the close relations that exist between our two countries. I wish you every success in the next chapter of your life and your future endeavours," Fiame said.

The Prime Minister had then presented an "ali" or a wooden pillow as a gift to Ambassador Terasawa.