Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa in Beijing on Tuesday, saying China is willing to make empowering Pacific Island countries to tackle climate change a priority in its cooperation with these countries.
China will work with Pacific Island countries to promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, uphold fairness, justice and the common interests of the Global South, and build a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi told the Samoan prime minister .
Noting that Samoa was among the first Pacific Island countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China nearly five decades ago, Xi said the two countries have maintained traditional friendship, mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation.
China firmly supports Samoa in safeguarding sovereignty and independence and independently exploring development path suited its national conditions, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to work with Samoa to uphold mutual respect and mutual trust, and step up the exchange of experience in state governance and national development.
Xi said China is willing to continue its assistance for Samoa's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation, further tap the potential for cooperation in economy, trade, investment, agriculture and fishery, so as to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development.
Xi called on the two sides to promote mutual learning among civilizations, strengthen exchange and cooperation in education, culture, youth and other fields, and promote steady and sustained growth of the China-Samoa comprehensive strategic partnership.
Xi stressed that China does not attach political strings to its assistance to the Pacific Island countries, and China's policy toward Pacific Island countries is open and inclusive, without targeting any third party or engaging in geopolitical competition or spheres of influence.
Mata'afa said Samoa hopes to learn from China's experience in achieving modernization, especially in poverty reduction and green development.
Thanking China for its long-standing help for Samoa, she highly appreciated China sticking to the principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, noting China never attaches any political string to its assistance for Pacific island countries, and always honors its commitments.
Mata'afa said Samoa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi.
Samoa regards China as an important strategic partner and looks forward to taking the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year to further advance bilateral relations, Mata'afa said.
After the meeting, the two sides issued a joint statement.
Xi says China prioritizes empowering Pacific Island countries to tackle climate change
Xi says China prioritizes empowering Pacific Island countries to tackle climate change
