Six Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements have been signed between Samoa and the Huizhou Municipal People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and the Mayor of Huizhou Mai Jiaomeng executed the signing of the documents which included:
MOU on Friendly Cooperation between City of Huizhou, the People’s Republic of China and City of Apia;
Agreement on Scholarship and Donation of Teaching Equipment to Samoa from Huizhou;
Agreement on Donation of Medical Equipment from Huizhou;
MOU on Medical Service Cooperation between Huizhou Central People’s Hospital and Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital;
Agreement on Donation of Medical Equipment from Huizhou Central People’s Hospital;
MOU Establishing a Sister-School Relationship between Huizhou Hualuogeng Secondary School and Samoa College.
Prime Minister Tuilaepa, in his address, acknowledged the assistance planned for Samoa through the agreements and said these agreements will further enhance the friendly relations between the city of Huizhou and the Capital of Apia. He also announced the funding of a cultural arts center from Huizhou.
A statement from the Chinese delegation said the agreements and MOU’s that have been signed will have to be achieved by both sides in three to five years.
Firstly, in terms of well-being projects, Huizhou will offer assistance to Samoa in the construction of a multi-functional park as the symbol of China-Samoa friendship, as well as a culture and art center which will comprehensively serve as a library, opera house, artistic exhibition hall and recreational zone.
Secondly, as regards to educational cooperation, Huizhou will provide and install an electronic teaching platform for each of the 23 public colleges in Samoa, and set up three computer laboratories for selected schools.
Huizhou will also assist Samoa in establishing scholarships for three consecutive years.
The Huizhou will also present financial awards to 30 students with excellent academic performances and another 30 students from families with financial disadvantages. A future exchange visit by students of Huizhou Hualuogeng Secondary School and Samoa College is planned as part of the sister- school relationship.
Thirdly, regarding health cooperation, Huizhou will provide medical equipment to the Ministry of Health of Samoa.
The Huizhou Central People’s Hospital has established a sister-hospital relationship with Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital of Samoa, and will donate a set of medical equipment that includes a portable X-ray machine and a colour digital ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus.
The delegation from Huizhou also visited Samoa College where they inaugurated the recently built computer laboratory, presented sports requisites for the school and awarded prizes to ten outstanding students of the College.
The delegation and the College’s representatives also jointly planted a friendship tree in the college’s compound as a symbol of thriving friendship.