Samoa regards China as an important partner and hopes to advance the continuous development of the strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries, founded on mutual respect and trust, said the Pacific island nation's Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa.
Samoa was one of the first Pacific Island countries to establish diplomatic relations with New China. In 2025, the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
In an exclusive interview with China Media Group, the prime minister emphasized that mutual respect and trust are key to fostering stable bilateral relations.
"Mutual respect and trust, I think that's a very fundamental element that makes for a successful partnership, and 50 years is not a short period of time. I think at this juncture, especially speaking with your leaders, it's an apt time to review our journey to consolidate on what has been done, done well, and also to, you know, (consider) what are the next steps in terms of what has been able to be achieved," said Mata'afa.
Noting that Samoa is much smaller than China, Mata'afa acknowledged that the two nations also differ in some ideas and concepts. She added that Samoa is currently developing models tailored to smaller countries, and China's long-standing valuable assistance has helped Samoa unlock its potential in the areas of economy, trade, and agriculture.
"With our partnership with China, we can really explore and further the potentials of what's already been done, like agriculture. So, a lot of the work has been research-based. Now I think we need to be moving on to creating value-added, business-based activities. So, it's another development along that association," said Mata'afa.
Mutual respect, trust strengthen China-Samoa relations: Samoan PM
Mutual respect, trust strengthen China-Samoa relations: Samoan PM
The construction and development of rural roads and the rural transport system, which emphasizes inclusiveness and equity, provide strong support for the comprehensive development of China's rural economy and society, according to a white paper issued Friday by China's State Council Information Office.
In creating a path to prosperity for rural people, China has taken extraordinary steps and made an enormous effort to expedite the development of rural transport in poor areas, said the white paper titled "China's Rural Roads in the New Era."
Since 2014, more than 1.4 million kilometers of rural roads have been built or upgraded in previously poor areas, all towns, townships and administrative villages where conditions allow had been connected to paved roads by 2019, and all such villages had been connected to bus services by 2020, the white paper noted.
"The roads are better. After years of effort, we have established a rural transportation infrastructure network that connects villages and towns, as well as a rural transportation service system focused on inclusiveness and equity. Through this, rural residents can enjoy better transportation, and rural logistics can be more efficient," said Hou Zhenxing, deputy director of the general planning department of the Ministry of Transport.
According to the white paper, the steady development of transport facilities in rural areas has attracted more capital, projects and talents to the countryside, creating more job opportunities and broadening the avenues for income growth.
At present, rural road construction projects provide work for about 80,000 people in need as a form of relief, enabling an annual average per capita income increase of around 8,500 yuan (about 1,182.57 U.S. dollars), the white paper noted.
About 850,000 jobs are provided in rural road management and maintenance, offering an annual average per capita income of approximately 13,000 yuan, it said.
China builds inclusive rural transport service system: white paper
