Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday hailed the China-New Zealand relationship, calling it a model of win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems, history and culture, development stages and economic volumes.

Li made the remarks during his meeting with visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Beijing.

Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand, the bilateral relationship has been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries, Li pointed out.

Noting China and New Zealand will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership next year, the Chinese premier called on the two sides to further deepen the traditional friendship and jointly promote cooperation in various fields to a higher level for the betterment of the two peoples and the benefit of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

To solve the common problems faced by mankind, unity and cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win is the right way, Li stressed.

He told Hipkins that in the process of China's modernization, the country's door to the outside will only open wider.

China is willing to share the new opportunities brought by its development with New Zealand, Li added.

He urged efforts to dig deeper into the potential for cooperation, saying both sides should make good use of the China-New Zealand FTA, upgrade protocol to promote trade and investment to a new level.

The two sides should create "new momentum" for cooperation in emerging areas, promote regional economic cooperation and enhance people-to-people exchanges, Li stressed.

Hipkins said that China plays a very important role in global and regional affairs.

The New Zealand side firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he noted, adding that his country is inspired by the opportunities brought by China's expansion and opening-up.

New Zealand is willing to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in economy and trade, science and technology, education, renewable energy, and local affairs, according to Hipkins.

He called on the two sides to strengthen communication and coordination on Pacific island countries and multilateral affairs, jointly promote economic recovery, and work together to address global challenges such as climate change.

He also welcomed more Chinese entrepreneurs, tourists and international students to New Zealand.

After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents on science and technology, education, agriculture, forestry, quarantine, food safety and intellectual property.

(Cover: Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds welcoming ceremony for visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Beijing, China, June 28, 2023. /Xinhua )