China, New Zealand pledge continuous development of bilateral ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday held a phone conversation with New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and the two sides pledged to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations.

Although the international situation is undergoing complex and profound changes, the importance of China-New Zealand relations remains unchanged, Wang said, adding that the economic complementarity between the two countries and China's positive attitude and policies in developing bilateral relations remain unchanged.

China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with New Zealand and promote bilateral relations to achieve new development at a new starting point, said Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Noting that China-New Zealand cooperation has huge potential and that the protocol on upgrading the free trade agreement between China and New Zealand took effect last year, he urged both sides to start negotiations on the negative lists of trade in services as early as possible to promote the continuous upgrading of economic and trade cooperation.

Wang called on the two sides to adhere to mutual respect and understanding and properly handle differences.

China is willing to enhance multilateral coordination with New Zealand and jointly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at its core, the international order based on international law, and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, Wang said.

Peters said New Zealand is willing to work with China to push for the continuous development of bilateral relations to maintain and promote the common interests of both countries.

New Zealand looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China in areas such as trade, tourism and climate change, he said, expressing his hope that China will make greater contributions to regional and world peace and stability.

The two sides also exchanged views on international issues such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis.

(Cover via CFP)