Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele and his Good Lady,  Gillian Malielegaoi, are in Japan for an official state visit.

As part of that, they will also have an audience with their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan. 

Following the state visit, the Prime Minister will attend 8th Pacific Island Leaders Forum (P.A.L.M. 8).

The P.A.L.M. 8 meeting is designed for the Government of Japan to share her assistance programme for the Pacific Island Forum countries.  

It will also provide the opportunity for Forum leaders to present their respective proposals that need funding from the Government of Japan.

Japan and PIC's have been building close cooperative relationships, forging the bond of friendship through candid discussions at P.A.L.M.  8. This year, leaders will openly discuss various issues ranging from;

· educational exchanges between the Pacific Island Countries and Japan

· changes to the environment due to climate change and natural disasters

· security and upholding the law

· agriculture and fisheries

· trade

The Prime Minister of Samoa will be co-chairing the meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzō Abe. 

Prime Minister Tuilaepa is accompanied the Minister for Education Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi.