New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will visit China from Tuesday to strengthen trade ties and attract tourists and students, while his meetings with the country’s top leaders will also cover complex issues such as security and defence.
As noted by Chinese Premier Lin Jian at a regular press briefing, the upcoming trip will be Mr. Luxon’s first visit to China since taking office and comes at a time when China-New Zealand relations are entering their second decade of comprehensive strategic partnership.
During the visit, Chinese leaders will hold separate meetings and talks with Luxon, during which the two sides will exchange in-depth views on China-New Zealand relations, as well as international and regional issues of mutual interest.
Lin Jian noted that bilateral relations have developed rapidly over the more than 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. The leaders of both countries have agreed to strengthen dialogue and co-operation to promote the consistent and in-depth development of bilateral relations, he added.
According to the official spokesperson, in the current complex and volatile international situation, China is ready to work with New Zealand to strengthen strategic communication, consolidate political mutual trust, deepen practical co-operation, strengthen traditional friendship, and jointly counter challenges.
“China looks forward to working with New Zealand to build a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand based on mutual respect, mutual tolerance, cooperation and common development, so as to bring even greater benefits to the peoples of the two countries,” the Chinese diplomat said.
