Samoa and China share a long-standing relationship rooted in mutual respect and win-win cooperation, said Nanai Laveitiga Tuiletufuga, Samoa's Government Press Secretary.
In an interview with China Global Television Network in Samoa on Monday, he said Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's current official visit to China aims to further strengthen the bilateral ties.
The prime minister arrived in Beijing on Monday after her visit to Shanghai, Jiangsu Province in east China, and Guangdong Province in the south. Beijing marks the final leg of her nine-day visit, during which she is set to meet with senior Chinese leaders to discuss bilateral relations and explore new avenues for collaboration.
"I think the visit is more of like to strengthen the relationship that our two countries have built, beyond the diplomatic relationship based on mutual cooperation and friendship. Because, from the tone of the conversations throughout this week since our prime minister arrived in China, it has always been about mutual respect, mutual cooperation and a long-lasting friendship, which has been built over these years - 49 years - and still looks strong," Tuiletufuga said.
Tuiletufuga pointed out that the ties between the two nations date back to the early 1900s, when Chinese immigrants, many of whom came from Guangdong Province, began settling in Samoa. These early immigrants helped shape Samoa's social and cultural landscape, creating a special connection that continues to resonate today.
"Samoa and China have had this special connection historically and culturally. It goes back to the 1900s when the first Chinese immigrants arrived in our country. Incidentally, one of the delegates accompanying the prime minister, his great, great grandfather is from Guangdong. And he was among the first immigrants to have arrived in our country," he said.
As one of the first Pacific Island nations to establish diplomatic relationship with China, Samoa's ties with China have remained strong over the years. The two countries will mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relationship in 2025, a milestone that further underscores the enduring nature of their partnership.
Samoa's relations with China rooted in mutual respect: press secretary
