The Chinese government has sent a special envoy to Samoa to attend the funeral of the Pacific island nation's late head of state Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Leading a three-member team, Wang Yongqiu, China's special envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), arrived in the Samoan capital of Apia on Thursday.

On Friday, the Samoan government held a national funeral for Malietoa Tanumafili II, who passed away on May 11 at the age of 95.

Wang attended the funeral and met with Samoa's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.

During the meeting, Wang conveyed to Tuilaepa greetings from Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, and expressed deep condolences on behalf of the Chinese government and people over the passing away of Malietoa Tanumafili II.

Tuilaepa expressed his gratitude while asking Wang to pass on his greetings to President Hu and Premier Wen.

He also said Somoa and China have enjoyed a lasting friendship, adding that he believes the friendship would continue to move forward.

Leaders and representatives from more than 20 countries, including the King of Tonga Taufa'ahau Tupou V, Australian Governor-General Michael Jeffery, New Zealand Governor General Anand Satyanand and Prime Minister Helen Clark also attended the funeral.

Source: Xinhua