Wellington, May 23rd—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Simeon Brown, Deputy Leader in New Zealand Parliament of the National Party, Minister of Transport, Minister for Energy, and Minister of Local Government, as well as Todd McClay, Minister for Trade of New Zealand.  

Liu said, China and New Zealand are important partners, and bilateral relations have enjoyed long-term, healthy, and stable development. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. Both sides should continue to carry forward the spirit of “striving to be first” and push bilateral relations for greater development. The Chinese people have friendly feelings towards New Zealand, and New Zealand is an important tourist destination for Chinese citizens. The two sides should deepen exchanges and cooperation in people-to-people and cultural, tourism and sub-national areas. The CPC attaches great importance to developing relations with the National Party, and is willing to increase personnel exchanges between the two Parties, strengthen ideological exchanges and promote the development of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership.  

The New Zealand side said, the new government of New Zealand attaches importance to developing relations with China and is especially satisfied with the strong trade relations between New Zealand and China, which is vital for New Zealand's economic development. New Zealand hopes to strengthen high-level visits with China, deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and expand cooperation in trade, agricultural technology and machinery, and other fields. The National Party is willing to maintain close exchanges with the CPC and learn response to common economic and social issues from each other.