President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping told Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa that the two nations have deep historical roots.

The two leaders, one from one of the biggest economies in the world and another from a tiny island nation met at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing.

It was a brief meeting in which Xi acknowledged Samoa’s contribution towards treating them as equals and pursuing win-win cooperation.

He highlighted that Samoa had set an example for solidarity, collaboration and joint development among Global South countries.

“You are a senior politician from Samoa and an old friend of the Chinese people. You have visited China five times,” Xi told Fiame.

“The friendship between China and Samoa has deep historical roots. Over a century ago, many Chinese people went to Samoa to work and live, making many contributions to local development.”

Fiame and her delegation started their China state visit early this week. This is her first visit to China as prime minister.

“The visit to the Museum of the Communist Party, once we got off the plane yesterday. What we have seen shows an evolving transformation in China. There is commitment and dedication on the faces of the people,” Fiame said in response.

Fiame and the government delegation have met with many government officials and signed many agreements that include education, agriculture, cultural exchange and trade.