Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Samoan Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi on Monday hailed the
remarkable progress in the development of bilateral relations in
various fields, said reports from the Samoan capital of Apia.
Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago, big
strides have been made in the development of the friendly relations
between the two countries, based on mutual trust and mutual
support, Li said in Apia.
Bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, culture and
education, sports, health and other fields has been fruitful, he
said.
Li expressed the Chinese government's appreciation for the
Samoan government's steadfast support for the great cause of
China's reunification.
The joint declaration issued by the two countries last year has
charted the direction for long-term and stable development of
Sino-Samoan relations in the new century, Li said.
A series of favorable measures announced by Premier Wen Jiabao
at the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and
Cooperation Forum in April have offered new opportunities for China
and Pacific island countries, including Samoa, to expand
cooperation between them, the Chinese foreign minister noted.
During the meeting, Tuilaepa also spoke highly of the
development of Samoan-Chinese relations, saying exchanges of
high-level visits have become more frequent in recent years and
cooperation is expanding in culture, education, sports and
personnel exchanges.
The Samoan people and government thanked China for its strong
support for and help in Samoa's social and economic development,
said the prime minister.
He reiterated the Samoan government's firm adherence to the
one-China policy.
(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2006)
