Apia, SAMOA — Samoa's Prime Minister Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi is today marking 20 years since he became the country's leader.

He is the longest serving prime minister in the Pacific region.

In his weekly radio interview, Tuila'epa said doctors had reassured him he was in good health with a heart that beats like a jet engine.

He succeeded the former prime minister Tofilau Eti Alesana.

Tuila'epa has been an MP since 1980 after working as a public servant and a diplomat.