"Samoa-China relations are very close. The bilateral arrangements work very well and China isa very important development partner of Samoa," Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said here Tuesday.

In an interview with Xinhua, Tuilaepa said China has made many important contributions that have helped Samoa realize key objectives in its economic construction.

He mentioned China's assistance in the development of the youngpeople of Samoa in education and in sports, saying students studying in China acquire not only skills but, more importantly, understanding at the people to people level.

Tuilaepa said exchanges in trade and investment are steadily increasing to become an important dimension in the relations between the two countries.

"High level visits between China and Samoa foster greater understanding between the two countries. Internationally, Samoa and China work closely on issues of mutual interests," he said.

Tuilaepa, chairman of the 35th Pacific Islands forum (PIF) ended Tuesday in Apia, capital of Samoa, said cooperation between PIF and China, dialogue partner of the Forum since 1989, is expected to be strengthened in the future.

Source: Xinhua