Japan's new Ambassador to Samoa, Senta Keisuke presented his letters of credentials and the recall of his predecessor to the Head of State on Tuesday.

The Japanese diplomat succeeds Terasawa Genichi who returned to Japan in December last year after completing his posting.

Mr. Senta said in his address at the residence of the Head of State, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II that Samoa and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1973, and he is pleased to see that the two countries have enjoyed a firm and excellent friendship since.

He added that the Government and People of Japan attach great importance to further strengthening the relationship with Samoa for mutual benefit, peace, stability and prosperity.

"Before departing Japan, the Emperor of Japan, His Majesty Naruhito has personally entrusted to me to convey to [Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II] that his majesty desires to maintain and promote the relations of sincere friendship and good accord between Japan and Samoa," he said.

"I as the ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan will not fail to fulfil my important mission and I will make all my efforts to promote the friendship and cooperation between our two countries."

The Head of State of Samoa, His Highness Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II expressed his appreciation for the message from His Majesty Emperor Naruhito.

He had then echoed the sentiments of promoting and strengthening friendship and meaningful relations between the two countries.

"I ask that you convey my best wishes for the good health and well-being of His Majesty," Tuimalealiifano said.

"This year marks 49 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Samoa and Japan, and our friendship and relations have developed into a close enduring, and mutually beneficial partnership."

His Highness said Japan is a valued development partner for Samoa, most notable is Japan's unwavering commitment to support Samoa's sustainable development efforts through various collaborations and technical development in the sectors of health, education, infrastructure, environment, and cultural and people-to-people links.

"In a multi-lateral setting, Samoa has lent its support to the nominated candidates of Japan for various elections at the United Nations and for prominent positions at various international organisations," he said.

A lawyer by profession, Mr Senta worked for years as an attorney at the criminal bureau of the Ministry of Justice of Japan and has vast experience as a public prosecutor and a chief prosecutor in the District Public Prosecutors Offices.

He also worked at the United Nations Secretariat in the early 1990s at the Crime and Criminal Justice Division at the Center for Social Development and Humanitarian Affairs based in Vienna, Austria and at the Department of International Economic and Social Affairs in Wien, Austria.

He was posted as first secretary of the Mission of Japan to the European Union in 1995.