Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa in Beijing on November 26, 2024. The discussion focused on strengthening ties between China and Samoa and addressing shared challenges like climate change.
President Xi expressed China’s willingness to work with Pacific Island countries to tackle climate issues. He highlighted the importance of implementing global climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, and emphasized supporting the interests of smaller nations. He also spoke about China’s commitment to Samoa’s economic growth, pointing to areas like trade, investment, agriculture, and fisheries as opportunities for cooperation.
Prime Minister Mata’afa thanked China for its ongoing support, including assistance with development projects in Samoa. She reaffirmed Samoa’s recognition of the one-China principle and expressed interest in learning from China’s strategies for modernization, especially in poverty reduction and environmental initiatives. Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, she called for further collaboration.
The meeting focused on the growing relationship between the two countries, addressing shared priorities such as climate change and sustainable development.
