Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi has called on people to rally together with the government this year to rebuild the nation.

Malielegaoi also expressed gratitude to all who have helped the country with tsunami relief efforts, Radio New Zealand International reported on Monday.

In his New Year address, Malielegaoi urged the people to be better prepared for any other future natural disaster.

Money has now been appropriated in the supplementary budget this year for rebuilding key infrastructure, like roads and homes in tsunami-devastated areas, but he said everyone needed to be involved in nation building efforts.

Tuilaepa also thanked countries, organizations and individuals who have shown support in Samoa's time of need.

(Xinhua News Agency January 4, 2010)