THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, (Vailima Samoa 2024).
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Lau Afioga, Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II ma lau Masiofo
Member of the Council of Deputies ma lou Faletua
Hon Ministers of Cabinet,
The 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,
Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is indeed a pleasure for me to join you all this evening to celebrate this significant joyous event. Allow me to express our sincere gratitude to Your Excellency, Fie Mingxing for inviting us to celebrate with you this prestigious occasion this evening. On behalf of the Government and People of Samoa, I extend our warmest congratulations to the Government of the People’s Republic of China on reaching this significant milestone the celebration of its 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic.
This year marks 49 years since China and Samoa established diplomatic relations in 1975 underpinned by the One China policy and built on trust, friendship and respecting each other’s values and principles. Over the years our relationship has progressed from strength to strength through historical connections, the robust people-to-people exchanges and the meaningful cooperation in various areas.
As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, we are given the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of our goals for our planet, people, peace and prosperity. It is also timely to reflect on the partnerships that we have committed to and ensure they remain relevant and mutually beneficial.
Like our other development partners, China has been committed to the enhancement of our relations and development. China continues to assist Samoa in meeting it needs through various projects in form of grants by way of economic infrastructure, human resource development, health, education tourism and most importantly the agricultural sector.
There have been many achievements over the course of our bilateral relations, built on strategic partnerships in trade, investment and tourism between our two countries. The cultural exchanges, training opportunities and academic studies in Chinese universities for Samoan students have continued to increase with the recent farewell of 23 of our nationals embarking for tertiary studies in China.
Our public service and private sector also continue to benefit from training courses and seminars offered in China, in various technical and specialized fields which have greatly contributed to our human resource capacity development.
In the recent past, Samoa and China have hosted many high level bilateral visits and meetings. We have also received visits from the Chengdu delegation and the Taizhou City delegation amongst others with the focus of strengthening the cooperation and exchanges in various fields of interest. Our Cabinet Ministers and Senior officials of Government ministries were given the opportunity to visit China this year attending meetings to enhance cooperation between our two countries.
The recent opening of the of the Police academy at Tafaigata with the fingerprinting examination laboratory shows commitment in enhancing security. These are some of the many highlights in our partnership that stands relevant and mutually beneficial.
Excellency Mingxing, before I conclude I would like to acknowledge Your Excellency and the Embassy’s commitment and contribution in advancing our bilateral relations. We commend China’s continuous efforts towards the development of its country, people and partners.
Please raise your glasses and join me in proposing a toast.
Toast:
“To the continued success and prosperity of the Government and People of China AND to the lasting friendship between our two countries”.
Soifua ma Ia Manuia. God bless.
Photo: Leota Marc Membrere
