China and the Independent State of Samoa signed a tourism memorandum on Sunday, under which Samoa gained Approved Destination Status from China.

The two governments will discuss issues such as visas and travel agency services before Chinese citizens can visit the Pacific nation. No timetable was given.

Only 535 Chinese nationals visited Samoa in 2007, while 220 citizens of Samoa visited China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 8, 2008)