Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa talks with Jiang Dongdong, Party secretary of Taizhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfabu]

From Nov 20 to 21, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa visited Taizhou, marking a significant step forward for the city's international relations. 

During the visit, Jiang Dongdong, Party secretary of Taizhou, expressed gratitude for Mata'afa's decision to make Taizhou her first stop, highlighting it as a testament to the strong ties between the two sides. Jiang emphasized plans to deepen collaboration in vocational skills training, cultural exchanges, and investment opportunities, encouraging Taizhou enterprises to explore business opportunities in Samoa.

Mata'afa acknowledged Taizhou's longstanding commitment to education and its remarkable progress in recent years. She expressed hopes for expanded educational exchanges to support Samoa's development. She also invited Taizhou's new energy companies to invest in Samoa, aligning with the country's efforts to combat climate change and develop its green energy sector.

During the visit, the Taizhou government and Samoa's Ministry of Education and Culture signed a friendly school cooperation agreement. Additionally, Taizhou Polytechnic College and the National University of Samoa formalized a partnership for skills training. 

Mata'afa toured Taizhou Polytechnic College and Shuangdeng Group, gaining insights into the city's advancements in vocational education and economic development. A highlight of the visit was a special presentation for the prime minister of children's paintings by students of Taizhou Chengdong Primary School, symbolizing the deepening bond between Taizhou and Samoa.