Foreign and Military Affairs
Chinese VP hails ties with New Zealand
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-18 12:11
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AUCKLAND - Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping spoke highly of the relations between China and New Zealand on Friday in Auckland, proposing more measures to advance the bilateral relationship.
In talks with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Xi said currently the relationship between the countries is at its best time.
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In October 2008, China and New Zealand signed the FTA, the first of its kind between China and a developed country.
The FTA has boosted the bilateral trade, with the trade volume increased by 3.6 percent in 2009 despite the worldwide economic and trade downturn.
Xi stressed that the Chinese side has always taken a strategic and long-term approach towards its ties with New Zealand. It also regards New Zealand as a good friend and good partner in the Asia- Pacific region.
The vice president put forward four-point proposals on further boosting bilateral relationship, including more political, economic and cultural exchange and more coordination on major international issues.
Xi urged both sides to tap the potential for economic cooperation while making full use of the FTA, so as to direct the bilateral trade and investment towards a more balanced, smooth and comprehensive manner.
John Key, on his part, said he was satisfied with the development of the New Zealand-China relations, according to a press release issued by the Chinese delegation.
On the basis of successfully implementing the FTA, New Zealand is willing to expand and explore more cooperation on such fields as agriculture, science and technology, education, tourism and food security.
Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed signing of several cooperation agreements on trade, finance and cultural exchange. ? ?
Right after the talks, Xi flew to Wellington, capital of New Zealand, to continue his trip in the country.
