Apia, 28 May 2022 (TDI): Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, Samoa’s Head of State, met with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday 28 May.
Both sides committed themselves to strengthen their unity and collaboration, collectively protecting developing nations’ legitimate rights, and insisting on true multilateralism.
Tuimalealiifano Sualauvi Vaaletoa II, while meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, said Samoa and China have experienced strong and close ties with successful outcomes yielded in mutual cooperation, showing the importance of equality and mutual respect in dealing with international relations.
Tuimalealiifano stated that Samoa wishes to keep close high-level exchanges, develop mutual understanding, and promote pragmatic cooperation with China to benefit the people of both countries.
Wang Yi stated that China has begun a new path toward the second-centennial goal of fully constructing a modern socialist state and is now focused on creating common prosperity.
China will work with other developing countries to speed up joint development, protect fairness and justice, and create a community with a shared vision for all humanity.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that this year is the 60th anniversary of Samoa’s independence, which is a significant milestone for the country, nation, and people.
Wang said the two sides have always regarded and treated each other as equals since the commencement of diplomatic relations about half a century ago, noting that Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to build diplomatic relations with China.
China will continue to help Samoa to combat Covid-19
China swiftly delivered anti-epidemic supplies to Samoa following the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak, Wang said, emphasizing that China will also offer Samoa a new batch of fast test kits.
China’s Foreign Minister stated that China is ready to continue assisting Samoa in its fight against the virus until the war is won.
Wang’s tour of the South Pacific island states included stops in Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea, as well as Timor-Leste. Wang traveled through the Solomon Islands and Kiribati before arriving in Apia.
