Hon. Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio, Minister of Education, Sports and Culture,
Hon. Lautafi Fio Selafi Purcell, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Labour,
Other cabinet ministers,
Honored guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to join you for this wonderful occasion. The Chinese Embassy provided assistance for the construction of the Rugby Field fence in 2017. After two years, we are glad to see the rugby field has been completed and will be open to the local communities.
Sports play a great role in our life as it keeps us healthy, happy and active, and also contribute to the harmony of local communities. I am a sports fan myself and I like basket ball, swimming and many other sports. I know Samoan people love rugby and am happy that the Chinese Embassy can contribute to the completion of this rugby field and do its part to help the local communities.
Ladies and gentlemen,
China and Samoa enjoy a long history of friendship. In recent years, bilateral cooperation between our two countries has been pushed forward remarkably in all fields including sports. For instance, early last year, a delegation from China Rugby Football Association visited Samoa to explore cooperation and exchanges with the Samoa Rugby Union. This year, to help Samoa host the upcoming Pacific Games, China has been assisting Samoan in the building and renovation of large-scale sports facilities, providing vehicles, sports equipment and related materials and offering training to athletes and performers. I hope such exchanges and cooperation will continue to flourish, so that our bilateral ties can grow from strength to strength.
At last, I wish to end my remarks by congratulating on the successful opening of the rugby field at Pitonu'u and wish people in the village a happy, healthy and prosperous life.
Thank you!