Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Samoan Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi on Monday hailed the remarkable progress in the development of bilateral relations in various fields, said reports from the Samoan capital of Apia.

 

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 31 years ago, big strides have been made in the development of the friendly relations between the two countries, based on mutual trust and mutual support, Li said in Apia.

 

Bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, culture and education, sports, health and other fields has been fruitful, he said.

 

Li expressed the Chinese government's appreciation for the Samoan government's steadfast support for the great cause of China's reunification.

 

The joint declaration issued by the two countries last year has charted the direction for long-term and stable development of Sino-Samoan relations in the new century, Li said.

 

A series of favorable measures announced by Premier Wen Jiabao at the China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in April have offered new opportunities for China and Pacific island countries, including Samoa, to expand cooperation between them, the Chinese foreign minister noted.

 

During the meeting, Tuilaepa also spoke highly of the development of Samoan-Chinese relations, saying exchanges of high-level visits have become more frequent in recent years and cooperation is expanding in culture, education, sports and personnel exchanges.

 

The Samoan people and government thanked China for its strong support for and help in Samoa's social and economic development, said the prime minister.

 

He reiterated the Samoan government's firm adherence to the one-China policy.

 

(Xinhua News Agency August 1, 2006)