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
Cultural exchanges are playing a key role in strengthening relations between China and Russia, from joint art exhibitions to restaurants offering Chinese diners with authentic Russian cuisine all helping to grow neighborly bonds.
Ties between the two sides have been in the spotlight this week as Russian President Vladimir Putin wrapped up a two-day state visit to China on Wednesday, while this year also marks the 25th anniversary of the signing of the China-Russia Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation.
At an art space in downtown Shanghai, paintings from a Russian artist based in Nantong City of east China's Jiangsu Province are on show.
An Yike, director of the ANYUE Space, said the exhibition has been a great success, providing Chinese art enthusiasts with the opportunity to appreciate the creative works of Russian artists.
"The theme of our exhibition is 'A Journey from West to East'. Paintings here reflect the artist's observation of the world, showcasing the landscapes and regional impressions he has encountered. And through such cultural exchange between China and the West, I believe that Western artists can learn from the more profound, restrained, and delicate techniques found in Chinese art. At the same time, as Chinese artists, we can embrace the expressive and emotional openness seen in Western art. The different painting techniques of China and the West can merge together. Take this exhibition as example, you can see the Russian painter, his art incorporates many elements of Chinese painting. His work feels deeply rooted in the Chinese tradition, yet it comes from the brush of a Russian artist. This is the beauty of cultural exchange, art becomes more diverse, carries richer inner emotion, and fosters cross-border communication," said An.
Meanwhile, the universal language of food is also bringing the two cultures closer together.
A home-style Russian restaurant in Shanghai is serving up a host of delicious dishes which are delighting diners. The establishment's owner said food has the power to break down barriers and create connections between people.
"I really like Shanghai. And I always have a passion for cooking. So I thought that I can maybe start doing something towards in that direction here in Shanghai. We have big flow of like not only Russian speaking community, but also like, French, Italians, a lot of people were interested, but also like maybe Russian speaking friends were bringing their foreign friends to our parties to introduce Russian food. And also a lot of Chinese people as well. We can introduce our culture through food, which is not just eating. It's about the environment, it's about the drinking habits, the party habits. So I think it's great cultural exchange," said Evgeniya Boyar, owner of the 'Borsh and Kompot' eatery.
Food, art plays part as cultural exchanges forge stronger bonds between China, Russia
