Lau Afioga, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II and Masiofo
Member of the Council of Deputies and Faletua
Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary, Hon Speaker,
Hon Leader of the Opposition, Members of Parliament,
Ambassador of China, Your Excellency, Fei Mingxing Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Talofa and Good evening to you All,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to join you all this evening to celebrate a number of key occasions and milestones in relation to our ongoing development cooperation with China which include; the celebration of the Chinese New Year and the opening of the new premises of the Embassy. This evening is also a fitting occasion to warmly welcome His Excellency Fei Mingxing and Madame Li on your assumption of office as the Ambassador of China to Samoa. It is our hope that Your Excellency will enjoy your stay in Samoa.
I would like to wish the Government and the people of the People’s Republic of China through you Ambassador; warm felicitations on the celebration of your New Year and the start of the Spring festival in this year of the Dragon.
On behalf of the Government and people of Samoa I extend our warm congratulations to the Government of China for the opening of its new mission at its Avele premises today. This occasion reflects the continuing promotion of friendly relations and a strengthening of diplomatic relations between China and Samoa. The opening of diplomatic missions anywhere is a commitment to diplomacy and peace.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975; the in-country presence of China was a journey from humble beginnings at the property of Mrs Betty Moors at Matautu in 1978 to the Vailima premises in 2006 and now the shift to Avele a year before the celebration of 50 years of official bilateral ties between our two countries.
The celebration of these milestones this evening provides an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come in the achievement of our goals for our planet, people, peace and prosperity. It is also a time to review the partnerships we have committed to and ensure they remain relevant and mutually beneficial.
The building of the Embassy’s new premises started in 2021 however with the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays in its completion, the construction was finally completed by the end of 2023. Today, the opening of the new Embassy’s premises is a milestone that is symbolic of the strengthened and durable partnership that we have forged over the years.
A structure that not only will house the expansion of staff but also reflecting permanence signifying long lasting relations in the years to come.
Like our other development partners, China has been a reliable friend in times of need such as the provision of emergency medical and humanitarian aid during the measles epidemic in 2019 and COVID 19 in 2020. The coordinated and swift responses and assistance helped Samoa stem the severity of impacts.
The close relations between our two countries continues through cooperation in the areas of health, education/training, agriculture, the building of administrative and social infrastructure including sports and we have yet to fully explore the potential of sustainable tourism.
Excellency,
The official opening of the new Chancery is one of your first official tasks as Ambassador of China to Samoa and the opening of doors to mutually agreed-to opportunities to further strengthen our relations.
In closing, Ladies and Gentlemen, I respectfully invite you all to join me in proposing a toast:
“To the continued success and prosperity of the Government and the People of China and to durable partnerships – Happy Chinese New Year.
la Manuia!”
