Interview: Samoan PM congratulates China on Chinese New Year, hails ties

As the Chinese New Year draws near, Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi sent his congratulations through Xinhua on Thursday, greeting the Chinese people and hailing the friendly ties between China and Samoa.

"On behalf of the government and people of the Independent State of Samoa, I wish to extend to the government and people of the People's Republic of China congratulations on the celebration of the Chinese New Year that is designated the Year of the Rooster," Prime Minister Tuilaepa told Xinhua in a written interview.

Samoa steadfastly adheres to one China policy, Tuilaepa stressed.

"The Samoa-China relationship continues to flourish and grow guided by Samoa's adherence to its one China policy and sharing the values and principles of the partnership that is underpinned by mutual trust and respect for international law to address the range of challenges faced," Tuilaepa said.

In November 2014, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Samoan leaders, when the two sides agreed to establish a strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development.

"Samoa is highly appreciative of China's readiness to assist in Samoa's efforts towards sustainable development through agricultural/fisheries development, sustainable tourism, education and health and human resource development. We also acknowledge all efforts to upgrade needed infrastructure," Tuilaepa told Xinhua.

"May we continue to pursue hard work and achievements for 2017 and may you have an enjoyable and successful New Year celebrations," said the Samoan prime minister.

China and Samoa established diplomatic relations on Nov. 6, 1975.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, Jan. 28 marks the first day of the Year of the Rooster. Endit