The Government of Japan has reaffirmed its commitment and partnership with the Government of Samoa in maritime security through the provision of a Patrol Boat under its Economic and Social Development Programme.
An Exchange of Notes between the two Governments was signed today between Minister of Police Faualo Harry Jeffrey Schuster, and H.E. Mr. SENTA Keisuke, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Samoa.
The statement says the Exchange of Notes formalizes grant assistance in the amount of JPY 150,000,000
(approximately WST 3,000,000) which will enable the procurement of a Patrol Boat (17m long) to support the Samoa Police maritime surveillance and law enforcement programme.
“The new vessel will further enhance Samoa’s maritime capability to ensure: ongoing protection of her territorial waters and marine resources; enhanced border protection from external security threats ranging from transnational crime, and illegal immigration to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; and provision of effective emergency response
services for disasters, such as coastline surveillance, and search and rescue operations.
“The signing of the Exchange of Notes illustrates the continued friendship and warm relations between Japan and Samoa.”
During the ceremony, the Japan Ambassador said the Grant Aid, will be provided to the Government for the procurement of a 17 meter long patrol boat for its maritime sector in order to enhance the economic and social development of this country.
“This time, the programme is also expected to support the human capacity development through trainings, specifically for the Maritime Unit of Samoa Police as the end user of the patrol boat.
This Grant Aid Assistance is based on the prioritized areas of Japan’s assistance to “Sustainable Oceans based on the Rule of Law”, declared during the Ninth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 9) in 2021. I am also delighted to acknowledge this programme meets the Samoan needs of maritime security in a timely manner. In addition, the boat can also contribute to a field of research and rescue in case of an emergency situation such as natural disaster.
I also wish to highlight that Japan’s cooperation to Samoa is in harmonization with the national plan of the 5 year Pathway for the Development of Samoa.
I extend my best wishes for the successful implementation of this Grant Aid which is a significant contribution in strengthening the maritime security especially along the coastal areas of Samoa.
I conclude with confidence that this Grant Aid will further strengthen friendship between the people and Governments of Japan and Samoa.”
