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March 27, 2017

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Li to expand ties with New Zealand

Source: Xinhua | March 27, 2017, Monday | Print Edition

CHINESE Premier Li Keqiang began his official visit to New Zealand yesterday, the first to the Oceanian country since he took office as premier in 2013.

Li, accompanied by his wife Cheng Hong, arrived in Wellington as the guest of his New Zealand counterpart Bill English.

In a written statement, Li said he was delighted to visit New Zealand on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries’ diplomatic ties.

For a long time, relations between the two countries, with substantial development, have been at the forefront among China’s ties with developed countries, he said.

Li said he expects to exchange in-depth views with the New Zealand side to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields and strengthen friendship among the two peoples, so as to promote China-New Zealand ties to higher levels.

Noting the sluggish global economic recovery and the rising trend of anti-globalization and protectionism, he called on both sides to make joint efforts to send positive signals that both countries oppose protectionism and promote trade and investment liberalization.

Both China and New Zealand are advocates and implementers of free trade, Li said, adding that trade liberalization is not only in line with the two countries’ common interests, but also beneficial to the stability, development and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific as well as the rest of the world.

During his four-day stay, Li is scheduled to hold talks with English and meet Governor-General Patsy Reddy and other officials. He will also witness the signing of a number of bilateral cooperation documents in the New Zealand capital.

Li will also pay a visit to Auckland, its largest city, for a number of business and culture exchange activities.

English expressed his hopes for closer ties and cooperation between the two countries.

“The visit is an important opportunity to set the agenda for the next stage of our strong relationship and demonstrates our shared commitment to open trade and economic growth,” he said in a statement.

Bilateral trade between China and New Zealand has increased nearly threefold compared to 2008, when a free trade agreement was signed.

The visit is the final leg of Li’s trip to Oceania following a five-day visit to Australia.

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