Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi says his government believes geo-political issues are so removed from Samoa it should not affect where they get aid from.
Samoa PM Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Tuilaepa told KHJ News he feels Samoa should continue to keep the avenues of assistance open, irrespective of who is offering it.
The Prime Minister was referring to moves by countries like New Zealand, Australia and the US to combat the increasing influence of China in the region.
He said all that smaller nations like Samoa worry about is how to fund road or footpath repairs.
He was critical of the continuing scrutiny of Chinese assistance in the Pacific.
Tuilaepa said when China gives assistance, it sees projects through to completion, which has not always been the case with countries like Australia.
He said he was looking forward to meeting New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters this week to learn more about the government's latest aid scheme which Tuilaepa earlier labeled an "experiment".