Investiture ceremony for Leiataualesa Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Sisilia Eteuati (27 October 2023)
2023/10/31
On Friday 27 October, an investiture ceremony was held at the Consul General’s residence for Leiataualesa Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Sisilia Eteuati, recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in the 2023 Spring Conferment of Decorations.
Leiataualesa Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Sisilia Eteuati served as the first Ambassador of Samoa to Japan from 2009 to 2015. He has contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Samoa, including being involved in the establishment and management of the Embassy of the Independent State of Samoa in Japan. As Ambassador to Japan he shared Samoa’s September 2009 earthquake and tsunami experience with Japan, and called for Japanese reconstruction assistance for Samoa. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, he made a great contribution to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries by visiting evacuees that June and performing Samoan songs and dances to recognise Japan’s support for reconstruction efforts in Samoa.
At the ceremonyConsul General MATSUI Shinji congratulated former Ambassador Leiataua on his achievements and presented him with the decoration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Samoa.
Consul General of Samoa Mr Afemata Palusalue Fa'apo II Sakaio Lemalu spoke of former Ambassador Leiataua’s achievements and congratulated him.
Upon receiving the decoration former Ambassador Leiataua expressed his great joy at having contributed to strengthening relations between Japan and Samoa through his experience as the first Ambassador to Japan, and his deepest appreciation to host Consul General MATSUI and Consulate staff for being able to share the honour of this decoration with his family and friends.
Leiataualesa Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Sisilia Eteuati served as the first Ambassador of Samoa to Japan from 2009 to 2015. He has contributed to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and Samoa, including being involved in the establishment and management of the Embassy of the Independent State of Samoa in Japan. As Ambassador to Japan he shared Samoa’s September 2009 earthquake and tsunami experience with Japan, and called for Japanese reconstruction assistance for Samoa. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, he made a great contribution to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries by visiting evacuees that June and performing Samoan songs and dances to recognise Japan’s support for reconstruction efforts in Samoa.
At the ceremonyConsul General MATSUI Shinji congratulated former Ambassador Leiataua on his achievements and presented him with the decoration, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Samoa.
Consul General of Samoa Mr Afemata Palusalue Fa'apo II Sakaio Lemalu spoke of former Ambassador Leiataua’s achievements and congratulated him.
Upon receiving the decoration former Ambassador Leiataua expressed his great joy at having contributed to strengthening relations between Japan and Samoa through his experience as the first Ambassador to Japan, and his deepest appreciation to host Consul General MATSUI and Consulate staff for being able to share the honour of this decoration with his family and friends.
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| Consul General of Japan MATSUI | Leiataualesa Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Sisilia Eteuati (recipient) | Consul General of Samoa Afemata Palusalue Fa'apo II Sakaio Lemalu |
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| Presentation of commemorative gifts by the recipient |
Commemorative photo with Consul General of Japan MATSUI |
Group photo |