Chinese, Samoan leaders exchange congratulations on anniversary of ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang exchanged congratulatory messages Friday with their Samoan counterparts on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their two countries.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said China-Samoa relations have maintained sound development and that China-Samoa friendship is deeply rooted in the hearts of the two peoples, under concerted efforts by both sides since the establishment of diplomatic relations 40 years ago.

The Chinese president said China is willing to work with the Samoan side to strengthen dialogue and communication, and deepen friendship and cooperation to elevate bilateral ties to a higher level in the greater interests of the two peoples.

In his congratulatory message, Samoan President Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi said that Samoa and China have established intimate and friendly relations on the basis of mutual respect, and have jointly dedicated themselves to maintaining world peace and promoting sustainable development.

Efi also thanked the Chinese side for generous support and assistance for the economic and social development in Samoa.

Also on Friday, Li sent a congratulatory message to his Samoan counterpart Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, saying that the development of China-Samoa ties has brought about tangible interests to the two peoples, and that the relationship between the two countries has become a paradigm for bilateral relations between China and Pacific island countries.

While noting that the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Samoa is an important historical moment in bilateral ties, the Samoan prime minister said Samoa is willing to work with the Chinese side to jointly commit themselves to promoting sustainable development, actively responding to global challenges including climate change, and deepening Samoa-China friendly relations. Endi