Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has told the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern that the two sides should improve mutual political trust, increase people-to-people exchanges and seek the "greatest common divisor" in bilateral ties based on equality and mutual respect.

Li and Ardern met at the Great Hall of People in Beijing on Monday.

Ardern postponed and shortened her initial three-day trip to Beijing – the first since taking office in 2017 –following the Christchurch mosques attack, which killed 50 people.

Premier Li extended his condolences to the families of victims at the beginning of their meeting, and said China values its relationship with New Zealand.

Stating that bilateral cooperation is "always standing at the forefront of cooperation between China and Western countries," Li said that the two countries now face new opportunities.

China stands ready to synergize the Belt and Road Initiative with New Zealand's development strategies, tap into the potential and promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Li said.

"We hope both countries can provide a convenient, transparent environment for companies investing in each other," the Chinese premier added.

Ardern said New Zealand is proud of its relationship with China, which includes the Free Trade Agreement signed in 2008. She said her country is committed to advancing ties for a promising future.

"I did though want to visit Beijing at this time to underline the importance that we place on our relationship with China. It is one of our most important and far-reaching relationships," said Ardern.

She added, "with a tradition of independent diplomacy, New Zealand will make decisions on major issues independently that are in the interests of its own." 

Following Monday's meeting, four agreements were signed, as the two governments agreed to avoid double taxation, increase agricultural cooperation, and carry out more financial talks and scientific research projects.

China is New Zealand's largest trading partner and second-largest source of foreign tourists. The 2019 China-New Zealand Year of Tourism opened Saturday in Wellington.

Ardern's visit was first scheduled late last year, but China withdrew the invitation at the time amid strained political ties. It was only re-scheduled recently.

The two countries had disagreements after New Zealand banned Chinese telecom company Huawei from providing 5G technology to a local carrier.