Beijing, 25 March 2023 (TDI): On Friday, China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with the Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Nanaia Mahuta to ensure the consistent development of their bilateral ties.
Senior Chinese diplomat meets with New Zealand FM
https://t.co/IZOaCKiiF8 pic.twitter.com/SG2izQZmQL— Zhang Heqing张和清 (@zhang_heqing) March 25, 2023
“Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and New Zealand have always respected each other, treated each other on an equal footing, engaged in win-win cooperation, and sought common ground while shelving differences,” Qin said.
“Despite both sides belonging to different cultures and social systems, China and New Zealand bilateral ties have set the paradigm for friendly relations,” he added.
Moreover, China and New Zealand, as key partners, have always respected each other and their diplomatic ties have great potential, Qin asserted.
50th Anniversary of China and New Zealand
Last year, Qin and Mahuta met to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties and discuss further development of their comprehensive strategic partnership.
During the celebration, Qin told the Mahuta, “the two sides should faithfully implement the consensus and work for further development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.”
At the same time, Mahuta also expressed gratitude for working with China for 50 years and told him, “New Zealand firmly adheres to the one-China principle.”
She went on to state that New Zealand “expects the two countries to enhance high-level exchanges and people-to-people exchanges, and expand cooperation in various fields to continue writing more stories of success.”
To utilize the maximum potential of their cooperation, Qin called for efforts from both sides to make good use of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement Upgrade Protocol and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.
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Along with trade and economic partnership, Mahuta showed a willingness to work with China to promote peace, security, and stability in Asia and the Pacific region.
Also, she highlighted China’s constructive role in responding to climate change and protecting biodiversity and appreciated its community-building efforts.
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