SAMOA, September 17 - KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molioo

Members of the Council of Deputies and o outou Faletua,

Honourable Ministers,

Chief Justice and Members of the Judiciary,

Honourable Speaker, Members of Parliament,

Your Excellency Ambassador Fei Mingxing and Madame Li Wenjun,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Talofa and a very good evening.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Government, and the people of Samoa, I extend our warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China as you celebrate the 76th Anniversary of your National Day.

This day honours the founding of the People’s Republic in 1949 and the extraordinary journey of resilience, growth, and leadership that has followed. It also reminds us of the strength of the friendship Samoa and China have shared for 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1975.

Over these five decades, Samoa and China have nurtured a relationship built on respect and cooperation – from infrastructure and agriculture, to health, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. We remain deeply grateful for China’s

enduring support, which has touched the lives of our families and communities.

As China celebrates 76 years since the founding of the People’s Republic, we are reminded of the wisdoms that guide nations.

In China, there is a saying:

“”- Zhòng rén shí chái huo yàn gão – when everyone adds firewood, the flames rise high.

In Samoa, we say: “E so’o le fau i le fau” – one fiber is bound to another.

Both teach us that when we are joined in respect and love, unity makes our flame burn brighter. This is the spirit of Samoa and China walking together in friendship.

China also teaches:

“+•” – Shí nián shù mù, bải nián shù rén – it takes ten years to grow a tree, but a hundred years to nurture a person. It reminds us that while nature grows quickly, shaping people of wisdom and character is the most important and lasting work of a nation. In Samoa, we affirm the same truth:

“E leai se mea e sili atu i lo le aiga” – there is nothing greater than family. We see these shared values alive in our Su’i Alofa – Stitched with Love Project, where over a thousand Samoans – women and men – are weaving not only garments but also futures, strengthening families and the fabric of our nation.

These wisdoms remind us that women, children, and families are the foundation of our shared future. As China marks 76 years of resilience and progress, and Samoa celebrates 50 years of friendship with China, we look not only to the past we have built together but also to the future we will shape together – one of peace, prosperity, and solidarity for generations to come.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen – before I invite you to raise your glasses, may I express my heartfelt thanks to Your Excellency Ambassador Fei Mingxing, Madame Li Wenjun, and the Embassy of China in Samoa for hosting us so warmly this evening. Your hospitality reflects the spirit of the friendship we celebrate tonight.

Please join me in a toast: To the 76th Anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and to the enduring flame of friendship between Samoa and China – may it continue to burn brightly, guiding us forward in unity and shared hopе.

Soifua.

September 22, 2025