Wellington, May 23rd—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Gerry Brownlee, Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament.  

Liu said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand, the two sides have promoted bilateral relations for sustained, healthy and stable development in the spirit of mutual respect, inclusiveness, cooperation, and benefiting the people. China is willing to, together with New Zealand, strengthen communication and dialogue, maintain high-level exchanges, intensify exchanges and cooperation between political parties and parliaments, enhance political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in economy trade, etc., expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, properly handle differences, and promote China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership for greater development. China is willing to work with New Zealand to leverage respective advantages, continue to carry out trilateral cooperation, and work together to help Pacific Island Countries with their development.  

Liu introduced China's economic situation. He said that currently, China's economy sees growing positive factors, sound progress of high-quality development and a good start. China is advancing the noble cause of building a great country and national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, which will provide new opportunities for countries around the world, including New Zealand. China is willing to work with New Zealand to jointly safeguard free trade and help the world economy recover and grow.  

Brownlee appreciated the great achievements the People's Republic of China has made in economic and social development, especially in poverty alleviation since its founding 75 years ago. With the sheer size and robust performance of China's economy, China's development is conducive to world stability and prosperity. New Zealand was founded on trade. And China is its largest trading partner. New Zealand hopes to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote greater development of New Zealand-China relations.  

Both sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common interest.