The German Consul to Samoa has announced support for two primary schools as part of celebrations of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Germany and Samoa.

Tagaloa Christa Szegedi announced the support for the Nofoalii and Paia Primary Schools on Wednesday to coincide with Germany and Samoa establishing diplomatic relations on 18 May 1972.

She said the two countries continue to work together to address issues of mutual interest such as climate change as well as support for Samoa's education sector.

“Samoa continues to be an important partner for Germany as we work together to combat important issues like climate change, Tagaloa said in a statement. 

"In recent years Germany has also supported Samoa with different projects especially in the education sector. 

"As the German Consul to Samoa, it is my hope that our two countries going forward continue to build on this important friendship and partnership we have achieved together."

Having established half a century of partnership, the Consul added that the two primary school-focused projects will have an impact on the education of children.

“I am pleased today to announce as we commemorate 50 years of Diplomatic Relations between Germany and Samoa two new projects.  

"The projects we have announced today will ensure that the students of both schools will learn in a cleaner and germ free environment which is vital during these Covid-19 times."

The Association Minister, Agaseata Valelio Tanuvasa Peto, also spoke highly of the Samoa-Germany relationship going back 50 years and the benefits that flowed from that relationship.

“The 50th anniversary of close relationship between Germany and Samoa marks 50 years of assistance to Samoa from the Government of Germany," Agaseata said. 

"There has been numerous development projects in which Germany has helped in Samoa in the economy. 

"One instance is the signing of the contract between Nofoalii Primary School and German Embassy in Wellington to improve health in Samoan community. 

"Congratulations to the 50th years of independence to close friendship relationship between our two countries”.  

As part of the support for the two primary schools, both Nofoalii and Paia will have their classrooms renovated with new floor tiles as well as equipment. 

It is not the first time for Germany to support Samoa's education sector, as last year five different schools hosted a German film and cultural festival, which was aimed at providing young children with more information and knowledge about Germany.

Germany also supports Samoa at the EU level by providing funds in the area of development cooperation as well as projects to promote renewable energy. The German Agency for International Cooperation GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) which is based in Fiji also carries out various projects in the Pacific region, from which Samoa benefits especially in the area of combating and adapting to climate change.