Premier Wen Jiabao said on Monday that China will expand exchanges with Samoa, an island country in southern Pacific Ocean, at all levels and between all departments to push their friendship to a new high.  

Wen made the remarks while meeting with Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, Samoan prime minister, in the Great Hall of the People.

The two countries inked an economic and technological cooperation agreement and issued a joint statement after the talks.

During the talks, Wen hailed China's "good political and economic relations" with Samoa, suggesting the two countries enhance cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure construction, telecommunication, tourism, culture and education and health.

He proposed the two countries strengthen contact and coordination in regional affairs and jointly maintain peace and stability in the southern Pacific region.

Wen said he appreciated Samoa's long-term stance of adhering to the one-China policy.

Tuilaepa agreed with Wen's comments, saying his government and people appreciate China's support and aid and Samoa hopes to further economic and trade and tourism cooperation with China.

He reiterated that Samoa will stick to the one-China policy and support China's reunification efforts. He said Samoa recognizes China's full market economy status.

Tuilaepa arrived in Beijing Sunday afternoon for a weeklong visit.

Besides, Tuilaepa will attend a reception celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of China-Samoa diplomatic ties. Then he will visit Xi'an, an ancient capital in Chinese history in the northwest province of Shaanxi, and the business capital of Shanghai in the east.

This is Tuilaepa's second visit to China since he assumed office in 1998. He paid his first official visit to China in August 2000.

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2005)