Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Wellington on an official visit to New Zealand, according to China media.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Wellington today (13 June) for an official visit to New Zealand, the first leg of his three-country tour from 13 to 20 June.
The Chinese Premier expressed his belief in in-depth exchanges with New Zealand leaders and people from all walks of life on China-New Zealand relations and issues of mutual interest. He also noted the importance of further deepening exchanges and co-operation in various fields and renewing China-New Zealand relations.
The Chinese premier said his visit to New Zealand is to continue the traditional friendship, promote mutually beneficial co-operation and boost common development. He also said that although China and New Zealand are separated by vast oceans, their friendly contacts have a long history and they have deep understanding and affection for each other.
Throughout more than 50 years of diplomatic relations under the strategic leadership of the two countries’ leaders, China-New Zealand relations have consistently been at the forefront of China’s relations with developed countries, he said.
The two countries have achieved fruitful results in co-operation in trade, investment, tourism, science and technology, and cultural exchanges. The co-operation has established a model of mutual benefit and win-win co-operation between countries with different social systems, historical cultures and stages of development, according to him.
Li will have in-depth exchanges with Governor General Cindy Kiro, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and other officials on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues during his stay. He will next pay official visits to Australia and Malaysia and co-chair the ninth annual China-Australia Leaders’ Meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
China-New Zealand relations
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will expectedly welcome trade ties with China in public statements this week. On monday, he applauded the visit as opening up new business opportunities, and said there were areas where talks with Li would highlight differences and discuss them openly.
China is the South Pacific nation’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth NZ$36 billion ($22 billion), Associated Press said. Also, the two countries signed a bilateral free trade agreement in 2008, China’s first with an Organisation for Cooperation and Development country.
The visit comes against the backdrop of the 10th anniversary this year of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to New Zealand, and the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand, according to Li.
Today, more than 100 people raised banners as well as Chinese and New Zealand flags, lining an alleyway outside the airport in cold and overcast weather to see the arrival of Li’s Air China flight – an unusual sight for the capital Wellington, population 215,000. which is not available on many international airlines.
