Beijing, 23 December 2022 (TDI): On December 22, 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with New Zealand’s Governor-General Cindy Kiro.

This marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi Jinping noted that China and New Zealand are important partners.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 50 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained stable development.

The cooperation between China and New Zealand has brought benefits to the two countries. This has also made important contributions toward regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-New Zealand relations, and is ready to work with Kiro.

Moreover, the Chinese President is looking forward to strengthening strategic communication, and continuously pushing forward China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.

Kiro said New Zealand-China relations are one of New Zealand’s most important bilateral relationships. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between both, great achievements have been made in the development of bilateral relations.

Furthermore, New Zealand cherishes the long-standing history of exchanges between the two countries. It looks forward to further advancing bilateral cooperation to the benefit of the people of the two countries and the larger world.

Premier Li Keqiang’s congratulatory messages

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang exchanged congratulatory messages with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Additionally, Li Keqiang said that China attaches great importance to the development of relations with New Zealand.

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Also, China aims to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand exchanges and advance cooperation to push for new and greater development of China-New Zealand relations.

On her part, Ardern said that New Zealand sees China as a key part of regional prosperity and stability. On its 50th anniversary, New Zealand looks forward to strengthening its interaction with China.

Also, he said that New Zealand wants to deepen economic, trade, people-to-people, and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and promote bilateral cooperation on climate change.