The Samoa Arts and Culture Center at Malifa officially opened on Tuesday by Prime Minister Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang.
The building comprises an auditorium, state-of-the-art culture exhibition hall, art shop, garden landscapes, offices, conference rooms, library, and a restaurant.
The Samoa Arts and Culture Center was funded by the Government of China through the Guangdong Province and Huizhou Municipality.
Ambassador Chao Xiaoliang said it was a great honor handover the project on behalf of the Chinese government.
“I would like to express my warm congratulations on the successful completion and handover of the project, and more than privileged to join you to witness the exciting moment together.”
The Ambassador thanked the Guangdong province and Huizhou municipality for their generous financial assistance.
Construction work was delayed due to Covid-19 lockdowns that restricted the movement of Shanghai Construction Group workers. All Chinese government funded projects are built by the State Owned Shanghai Construction Group.
Ambassador Chao Xiaoliang acknowledged the quality of the construction.
“Most importantly, I sincerely appreciate the Samoa Government for its strong support and cooperation to ensure smooth progress of the project.”
The Chinese Ambassador said the Culture & Arts Center covers approximately 9200 square meters, including theater, culture exhibition hall, art shop, garden landscapes, offices, conference rooms, library, restaurant, etc.
“It is not only another sign of the further deepening of the practical cooperation between China and Samoa, but a resilient and endurable facility which will bring tangible benefits to Samoa and her culture and people continuously in the coming future..”
The Ambassador then quoted President Xi Jinping in his report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.. “China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, and it is dedicated to promoting a human community with a shared future”.
“China has been upholding the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity and good faith in its cooperation with Pacific island countries including Samoa, and attaches great importance to promoting their resilient and sustainable development, especially key areas like climate change and ocean protection,” said Ambassador Chao Xiaoliang.
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Samoa, on the basis of mutual respect, have achieved fruitful cooperation outcomes, which greatly benefit our two peoples. I am very pleased to note that the friendship Park has been enrolled as one of the main sites for Christmas and new year celebration, more and more Samoan people enjoy themselves there. I do believe that the Culture & Arts Center will also bring new impetus to Samoa’s cultural advancement and bring new cultural experience to the Samoan people.”
“Your Honorable Prime Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen, As an old Chinese saying goes, “one may not necessarily walk fast while walking alone but will surely walk far while walking together with others”. Samoa also has a saying “E so’o le fau i le fau”, which means unity is strength. Embracing the vision of mankind living in a community with a shared future, we stand ready to join hands with the Samoan people, to promote closer exchanges and deeper cooperation, and bring bilateral relation to a new high.”
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