Chinese President Xi Jinping said China will strengthen the relationship with New Zealand. He made the remarks during a meeting with John Key, former prime minister of New Zealand, in Beijing on October 16. President Xi said China will keep its doors open to more cooperation with other countries. He noted Key's contributions to China-New Zealand ties, and said he hopes the former prime minister can continue to work for the people of the two countries. Key echoed President Xi's sentiments while congratulating him on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.