Chinese Premier Li Qiang has called for deeper cooperation between China and Samoa when holding talks with visiting Prime Minister of the Independent State of Samoa Fiame Naomi Mata'afa in Beijing on Tuesday.
Noting that China and Samoa enjoy profound traditional friendship, Li said since the two countries established the diplomatic relationship, bilateral relations have developed in a sound and steady momentum with fruitful cooperation in various fields, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples.
China stands ready to work with Samoa to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, further deepen political mutual trust, firmly support each other's core interests, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, constantly enrich the connotation of China-Samoa comprehensive strategic partnership, and remain sincere friends of mutual trust and important partners for common development, said Li.
China is willing to enhance the alignment of development strategies with Samoa through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, expand economic and trade cooperation, promote trade and investment facilitation, and strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fishery and clean energy, Li said, adding that China is ready to import more quality agricultural and sideline products from Samoa.
Li called for further facilitation of personnel exchanges and expanded people-to-people and cultural cooperation in tourism, healthcare, education, youth and other fields to promote enduring China-Samoa friendship.
Pointing out that both China and Samoa are part of Global South, Li expressed China's willingness to strengthen communication and coordination with Samoa in multilateral areas, jointly address climate change, promote an equal and orderly multi-polar world and inclusive economic globalization that benefits all, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.
Mata'afa said that China's development is of exemplary significance for other developing countries.
Pledging Samoa's adherence to the one-China principle, Mata'afa said that Samoa is willing to take the opportunity of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship next year to enhance high-level exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, agriculture and other fields, strengthen people-to-people and sub-national exchanges within the framework of Belt and Road cooperation, and jointly tackle climate change and other global challenges.
After the talks, Li and Mata'afa jointly witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation documents in such areas as the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, economic development and education.
Prior to the talks, Li held a welcome ceremony for Mata'afa at the Great Hall of the People.
The military band played the national anthems of Samoa and China at the ceremony.
Mata'afa, accompanied by Li, reviewed the guard of honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
In the afternoon, Mata'afa laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes at the Tian'anmen Square.
Mata'afa is on an official visit to China from Nov 20 to 28 at the invitation of Li.
Chinese premier calls for deepened cooperation with Samoa
