Christchurch, May 24th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, held talks here today with friendly personages from various sectors of New Zealand. Phil Mauger, Mayor of Christchurch, Matt Doocey, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality and Minister for Youth, Megan Woods, Member of Parliament of Labour Party, Marie Black, Mayor of Hurunui District, Chris Lipscombe, National President of New Zealand China Friendship Society, Michelle MacWilliam, Chair of the Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee, Allison Rosanowski Chairperson of the Selwyn District Council Sister City Committee, attended the talks.  

Liu said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand more than 50 years ago, China-New Zealand relationship has always developed in a healthy and stable manner regardless of changes in the international situation, and has become a model of win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems in the world. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s state visit to New Zealand and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership. China is willing to strengthen communication with New Zealand, enhance mutual understanding and trust, deepen cooperation in economy and trade, expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and constantly push forward the development of China-New Zealand relationship.  

Liu said, the history of China-New Zealand relationship is initiated by the people, the fruits of China-New Zealand friendship come from the people’s efforts, and the future of China-New Zealand cooperation will be shaped by the people. We should take the opportunity of celebrating the double "10th Anniversaries" together to build more bridges for people-to-people exchanges, cultivate more friendly personages like Rewi Alley in the new era, and continue to write together the story of China-New Zealand friendship in the new era. China is willing to work with New Zealand to gather the strength of the two peoples, stay committed to continuing our friendship in the future, so that the tree of China-New Zealand friendship will flourish.  

Doocey said, the New Zealand government attaches great importance to relations with China. People-to-people and cultural exchanges are a bridge to enhance the friendship between the peoples of New Zealand and China, and play a vital role in promoting the development of relations between New Zealand and China. New Zealand and China should strengthen cooperation in trade, culture, tourism and other areas to make up for the losses caused by the epidemic.  

Woods said, the purpose of commemorating the past is to move forward to the future. By commemorating Rewi Alley, we can carry forward the spirit of Rewi Alley and promote greater development in the China-New Zealand relationship. When the Labour Party was in power, the relationship between New Zealand and China has set a number of records. The Labour Party attaches great importance to the development of relations with China and hopes to work with China to address global challenges such as climate change.  

Chris Lipscombe introduced the main work of the New Zealand China Friendship Society, saying that it is committed to promoting the development of friendship between New Zealand and China and that it is willing to take the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the New Zealand-China comprehensive strategic partnership as an opportunity to enhance personnel exchanges between the two sides.  

Other representatives from various sectors of New Zealand spoke highly of the New Zealand-China relationship, called for further strengthening of exchanges between various sectors of the two countries and people-to-people exchanges, and offered suggestions on addressing climate change, strengthening cooperation between New Zealand and China in agriculture, science, technology, and education, giving full play to the role of Chinese in New Zealand in promoting New Zealand-China friendship, and facilitating the exchanges of people between New Zealand and China.