Wellington, May 23rd—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Winston Peters, Leader of New Zealand First, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand.

Liu said, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. The development of bilateral relations faces new opportunities. China is willing to work with New Zealand to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen high-level exchanges, enhance political mutual trust, deepen cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, people-to-people and culture engagement, and tourism, etc., and push China-New Zealand relations for stable and long-term development. The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with major political parties of New Zealand. The current international landscape faces increasing uncertain and unstable factors. It is not easy for the Asia-Pacific region to maintain long-term stability and prosperity. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with New Zealand to jointly safeguard regional and world peace and stability, and facilitate development and prosperity.

Peters welcomed Liu and his delegation. He said that New Zealand and China have set many records and created many "firsts" in cooperation. Especially since the two sides signed the free trade agreement, bilateral trade has developed rapidly. Calling China the most important market for important products of New Zealand, he said New Zealand firmly adheres to the one-China policy and is willing to strengthen dialogue with China, expand exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural engagement, and promote new progress in bilateral relations.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues such as the Korean Peninsula and the Ukraine crisis.

Todd McClay, Minister for Trade of New Zealand, was present.