Foreign and Military Affairs

Chinese military delegation visits New Zealand

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-06-28 16:53

WELLINGTON - A 24-member delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) officers was in New Zealand to discuss and exchange views with New Zealand military officers.

The Chinese Embassy hosted a reception to welcome the delegation arrived in Wellington on Monday.

Chen Lei, the charge d'affairs of the Chinese Embassy, said in his remarks that the defense relations between China and New Zealand is a very important aspect of the two countries. Now, China-New Zealand relationship is at its best in history. There have been frequent exchanges of high-level visits, especially of defense and military leadership between the two countries. The increasing communication between young military officers will further promote the steady and sound development of relations between the two countries.

The Chinese delegation head Liu Qiang said through the visit, the Chinese military officers exchanged views with their New Zealand counterparts and had a better understanding of the New Zealand army.

Rear Admiral Jack Steer of the New Zealand Defense Forces said in his remarks that the relationship between New Zealand Defense Forces and the PLA is at its best in history.

The PLA delegation visited a New Zealand military base on Tuesday.