Pacific island countries partners to pursue common development

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa's nine-day official visit to China starting Nov 20, during which she exchanged in-depth views with Chinese leaders on China-Samoa relations and important issues of common interest, and jointly drew a blueprint for the development of China-Samoa relations, will further push forward bilateral ties and help build a broader and closer China-Pacific island countries community with a shared future.

The visit, coming ahead of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Samoa and China next year, will bring new opportunities for the development of bilateral relations, deepen political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, further enriching the China-Samoa comprehensive strategic partnership.

Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and one of the first countries to sign a memorandum of understanding with China on Belt and Road cooperation. The fruitful development of bilateral relations under the principles of friendship, mutual respect, treating each other as equals and win-win cooperation, has enhanced the well-being of the two peoples.