Speaker Hosts High Level Chinese Delegation

By Lagi Keresoma

Apia, Samoa – 14 December 2023: The Speaker and Office of the Legislative Assembly hosted a high level delegation from the People’s Republic of China early in the week.

The delegation was led by Mr. Hao Ping, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress who paid a courtesy call on the Speaker, Papalii Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u who recently returned from a visit to China.

Both leaders and delegations took time to discuss issues of mutual interests with no specific topic on their agenda.

Present at the meeting was Mr. Li Yihu (FAC Member), Mr. Zhang Li (FAC Member) Samoa’s, Deputy Speaker and Member of Parliament Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, the Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Economics Committee.

The Chinese and Samoa Government share a cordial and longstanding diplomatic relationship since 1976.

Last month, Papalii led a parliamentary delegation to China where he met with His Excellency Xhao Leji, Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee where he commended China for their support for Samoa.

The two leaders shared views on China’s potential future assistance and support for Samoa’s Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Hao Ping, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress and his delegation with the Speaker, Papalii Li’o Ta’eu Masipa’u, Deputy Speaker Auapaau Mulipola Aloitafua and MP Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, the Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Economics Committee.