Hon. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi,
H.E. Dr. Trevor Matheson, New Zealand High Commissioner,
Cabinet Ministers,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon!
I am very delighted to attend the official launching ceremony of the Apia Waterfront Events Space, Clock Tower Boulevard and Volleyball Courts.
The Apia Waterfront Events Space and Clock Tower Boulevard are assistance projects funded by the New Zealand government, while the Volleyball Courts is an assistance project funded by the Chinese government. Both China and New Zealand are long-term development partners of Samoa, assisting the country in different projects and areas. Today, it is a especially happy occasion that our paths cross for a common purpose: that is, to make Samoa a more beautiful place.
The newly renovated Apia Waterfront Events Space and Clock Tower Boulevard look modern, elegant and beautiful. It will provide a nice spot for sightseeing and recreation for all the people in Samoa, including the diplomatic corps and foreign tourists.
The Volleyball Courts I am handing over to Samoa today is part of the China-Samoa Friendship Park funded by China’s Huizhou City in Guangdong Province. The China-Samoa Friendship Park is the brainchild of both the Samoan and Chinese sides. It came first as a proposal from Samoa, then both sides worked together for the design and final outcome. Covering a land area of 40,000 square meters, it includes outdoor performance space, volleyball courts, tidal garden, a dining area and a children’s playground.
The construction of the friendship park as a whole will be finished next year. However, in order to get the volleyball courts ready for the Pacific Games, the Chinese construction team worked very hard and managed to complete them in just a few months.
I know the Samoan people love volleyball as I often see them play in their front yards. The two volleyball courts are in line with the highest international standards. I am sure after the Pacific Games, these two volleyball courts will become a popular spot for the Samoan people. The speedy construction of the courts demonstrates the high efficiency and sound cooperation between China and Samoa. Hereby, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have contributed to the Volleyball courts and the Friendship Park as a whole.
The Pacific Games will open next week. I am happy to be able to see it for myself and am sure that it will be a once-in-a lifetime experience for me and all many others in Samoa.
At last, I wish the Pacific Games a full success, wish Samoa a more beautiful country and wish the Samoan people more prosperity and happiness!
Thank you!