Xi hails ties with Samoa in greetings to nation's head of state

President Xi Jinping called for stronger political mutual trust and heightened exchanges and cooperation between China and Samoa as he congratulated Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II on his reappointment as head of state of the Independent State of Samoa.

In his congratulatory message sent to Tuimalealiifano on Tuesday, Xi noted that the two nations have a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual respect and common development, and both sides have witnessed remarkable growth in their ties and promoted common interests since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1975.

Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Samoa relations, and is willing to work with Tuimalealiifano to continue enriching bilateral relations in order to bring benefits to the two countries and their peoples.

Tuimalealiifano was reappointed as the Pacific island country's head of state for a second five-year term by the nation's Legislative Assembly in late August, after having served his first term starting in July 2017.