(Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa in Beijing on Tuesday, saying China is willing to prioritize strengthening the capacity of Pacific island countries to respond to change. climate change as part of its cooperation with these countries.
China will work with Pacific island countries to promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, honor the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, uphold fairness, justice and the common interests of the Global South, as well as building a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi told Mata’afa.
Noting that Samoa was one of the first Pacific island countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China nearly five decades ago, Xi said the two countries have maintained traditional friendship, a mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation.
He said China supports Samoa in safeguarding its sovereignty and independence, and exploring a development path suited to its national conditions.
China will continue to provide assistance to Samoa in its economic and social development, and tap the potential of economy, trade, investment, agriculture and fisheries to achieve common development, he said. Mr. Xi.
He stressed that China does not impose political conditions in its aid to Pacific island countries, and that China’s policy towards Pacific island countries is open and inclusive, without targeting any third party or engaging in a geopolitical competition or in spheres of influence.
Mata’afa said Samoa hopes to learn from China’s experience in pursuing modernization, particularly in poverty reduction and green development.
Praising China for its long-standing valuable assistance to Samoa, Mata’afa noted that Samoa firmly adheres to the one-China principle and supports the Global Development Initiative, the Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Samoa regards China as an important strategic partner and is committed to using the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year as an opportunity to advance bilateral relations, said Mata’afa.
