REMARKS by the Ambassador Fei Mingxing [24 April 2025]
Hon. Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, Minister of Sports and Recreation,
Talofa lava! I am delighted to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Auxiliary Works of the Ninth-Phase China Aid Samoa Apia Comprehensive Sports Venues Technical Assistance Project today. First of all, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy, I would like to expressappreciation for your long-term support for China-Samoa relations!
The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Samoa. Over the past half century, upholding the principle of mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation, China and Samoa have maintained traditional friendship, close economic and trade exchanges, and fruitful cooperation in various fields, which have delivered tangible benefits to our two peoples. In addition to the Apia Park stadium project, training sessions of Samoan althlets in China, and recent badmington day and table tenis day and others, the Samoa Aquatic Center is a historic witnesses of the friendship and cooperation between China and Samoa.
Since the Samoa Aquatic Center was put into use in 2006, China has sent 9 batches of 29 technical experts to Samoa to provide maintenance support. It has been 20 years. As an important public sports facility, it has promoted the fitness and public health development of Samoa communities. During this period, large-scale events such as the 2006 “Miss South Pacific Pageant” and the 2007 South Pacific Games were held here, which exerted the economic effect of the events and promoted international exchanges.
The purpose of this auxiliary project is to ensure the continued safe use of the Aquatic Center. I hope that the construction teams of both sides will work closely together to ensure the high standards and high quality of the project construction, and train on site as many as possible Samoan workers, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Samoa.
Looking into the future, China will further its joint efforts with with Samoa, actively expand practical cooperation in various fields including sports, fully implement the outcome of Hon Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa’s visit to China last November, continuously deepeningthe comprehensive strategic partnership towardthe closer China-Samoa community with a shared future.
I wish China-Samoa cooperation in sports sector fruitful, and prosperity for China and Samoa and our two peoples!
Fa’afetai!
Now, I announce the Hilary construction of the Ninth-Phase China Aid Samoa Apia Comprehensive Sports Venues Project started.
Photo by the Government of Samoa (Leaosa Faaifo Faaifo)
