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21:33, 01-Apr-2019
Xi: China's ties with New Zealand pacesetter among Western countries
Updated
22:44, 01-Apr-2019
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New Zealand has been a pacesetter among Western developed countries in terms of relations with China, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday while meeting New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in Beijing.
"China has always regarded New Zealand as a sincere friend and partner," President Xi told Ardern.
China is willing to add more dimensions to the Sino-New Zealand comprehensive cooperative partnership in accordance with pragmatic cooperation in the principle of mutual benefit and win-win results.
Xi called for more efforts to work with New Zealand in creating a fair, non-discriminatory and transparent business environment for each other's investors under the new circumstances.
Flags of China and New Zealand are seen in Beijing, April 1, 2019. /VCG Photo
Flags of China and New Zealand are seen in Beijing, April 1, 2019. /VCG Photo
On the global economy, Xi said his country stands ready to make trade open and inclusive and called on both countries to promote the facilitation and liberalization of trade and investment.
China would also welcome New Zealand playing an active role in Belt and Road construction, the president added.
He also expressed condolences over the victims in the Christchurch mosque attacks which claimed 50 lives.
Ardern said her government values relations with China and the profound tradition of China-New Zealand friendship.
New Zealand will continue to uphold mutual respect, equality, and the one-China principle, pursue an independent foreign policy of peace, support the multilateral trading system and Belt and Road construction, she said.
Ardern added that her country stands ready to cooperate with China on climate change, technological development, cultural exchanges and in other fields.