In a significant move to bolster regional ties, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Friday during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting. The two leaders discussed enhancing the bilateral relationship between their nations, emphasizing mutual respect, tolerance, cooperation, and shared development.
President Xi highlighted the progress made since his visit to New Zealand a decade ago, when both countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership. “Over the past ten years, China-New Zealand relations have developed steadily, significantly enhancing the well-being of our peoples,” Xi remarked. He stressed that with strong economic complementarities and no historical grievances, both nations should view each other as partners and opportunities rather than challenges or threats.
Xi called for managing any differences in a calm and practical manner to prevent them from defining the bilateral relationship. “China is ready to join New Zealand in carrying forward the spirit of striving to be first,” he said, urging for deeper collaboration in various sectors to contribute to both countries’ development.
The Chinese President also announced that New Zealand has been included in China’s visa-free policy, inviting more New Zealanders to work and travel in China. He encouraged exchanges at subnational levels, among youth, media, and scholars, to strengthen the foundation of friendship between the two peoples.
Furthermore, Xi expressed China’s willingness to cooperate with New Zealand within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, APEC, and the World Trade Organization. He emphasized the importance of jointly safeguarding peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.
Prime Minister Luxon reciprocated the positive sentiments, acknowledging China’s status as a great nation and noting the strong bond that has developed between the two peoples over the past decade. “New Zealand is committed to continuously deepening our comprehensive strategic partnership with China,” Luxon stated. He affirmed New Zealand’s firm adherence to the one-China policy and expressed willingness to enhance cooperation in economy and trade, green development, and addressing climate change.
Luxon also expressed eagerness to strengthen communication and cooperation with China within multilateral mechanisms like APEC to promote regional prosperity and development. “We look forward to jointly safeguarding the freedom and openness of regional trade,” he added.
The meeting between Xi and Luxon signifies a commitment to deeper collaboration and mutual understanding between China and New Zealand, setting a positive tone for future relations in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Xi urges China, New Zealand to regard each other as partners
cgtn.com
