APIA, Samoa, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Samoan Head of State Tuimalealiifano Vaaletoa Sualauvi II said on Tuesday that the friendship and ties between Samoa and China have grown from strength to strength since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976.

The Samoan leader made the remarks while receiving credentials presented by Chinese Ambassador to Samoa Chao Xiaoliang who arrived here on March 29 this year.

Samoa continues to enjoy mutual benefits from the people-to-people exchanges and the close partnership with China in the development of many sectors of the island nation's economy including tourism, education, health, sports, agriculture, human resource development and infrastructure, he said.

He added that the two countries have also worked together to promote issues of mutual interest such as international peace and security, climate change, trade and sustainable development through the United Nations and other international fora.

"Over the years, we have seen an increase in the number of high-level visits and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries, deepening a mutual understanding of our cultures, traditions and systems," he said.

"The launch of the China-Pacific Tourism Year 2019 in Samoa yesterday is another important step in the cooperation between China and the Pacific, especially in the tourism sector."

He said that Samoa and China will continue to work closely at the regional and international fora in pursuit of their common interests to promote prosperity, peace and security in the two countries.

The Samoan leader also reaffirmed the importance of equal, genuine and durable partnerships based on mutual trust and respect.