Sino-Samoan Ties Hailed

Sino-Samoan Ties Hailed

Chinese President Jiang Zemin said Monday that China and Samoa shared extensive common

interests in safeguarding regional peace and stability and promoting economic prosperity so that the enhancement of bilateral ties are in the fundamental interests and common aspiration of the two countries.

Jiang made the remarks while meeting with visiting Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi at Zhongnanhai, site of China's central government.

Geographically apart from the other and with different social systems and level of development, China and Samoa still hold the same tasks of safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, developing their respective economies and improving people's lives, according to Jiang.

Samoa is one of the first countries which forged formal diplomatic ties with China and such relations have continued for 25 years.

Jiang noted that bilateral relations saw sound growth during the period for the two countries have kept frequent high-level contacts and carried out cooperation in various areas, including politics, economic, culture, education and public health.

The two countries have had close cooperation in global and regional affairs. These have enhanced mutual understanding and friendship and injected vitality for the further growth of bilateral ties, Jiang said.

The Chinese government attaches importance to the growth of Sino-Samoan ties and hopes Samoa will make bigger achievements in the future, Jiang said, adding that China will make efforts to lift bilateral ties to a new level in the new century.

On the Taiwan issue, Tuilaepa said that he could fully understand the sensitivity of the issue. Samoa has adhered to the One-China policy during the past years and will continue to honor such a position, he said. Jiang, in response, expressed appreciation and gratitude for Tuilaepa's remarks.

Tuilaepa also expressed satisfaction with the growth of bilateral ties during the past two and half decades, saying that Samoa is willing to further its ties with China.

After briefing Jiang on his country's socio-economic situation, Tuilaepa extended gratitude for China's economic assistance to his country.