MOSCOW, November 21 (Sputnik) – Chinese President Xi Jinping regarded positively the deepening of China-New Zealand relations in a speech made Friday at the opening ceremony of the China-New Zealand Mayor Forum in Auckland, New Zealand.
“The formation of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership has ushered our two countries into a new cooperative era,” Xi said at the ceremony, Xinhua news agency reported.
The forum is part of Xi’s three-day state visit to New Zealand, the first by a Chinese president in 11 years.
The Chinese leader, speaking in front of mayors from both countries, emphasized that the Chinese and New Zealand economies are "highly complementary" and the two peoples "bear friendly affections toward each other."
The Chinese president urged mayors from the two countries to take advantage of the available chance to expand mutual cooperation. Xi also encouraged the heads of more than 60 cities to enhance collaboration at both the local and state levels and promote people-to-people exchanges and the development of existing bilateral ties.
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key also attended this event. “Xi's visit to New Zealand has facilitated the upgrading of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and has filled the two sides with full expectations for the future,” Key was cited as saying by Xinhua.
Key and Xi held a meeting with representatives of Chinese enterprises in New Zealand as well as members of the New Zealand-China Council, a New Zealand government organization established in 2012 to promote trade and cooperation with China.
China was New Zealand’s largest trading partner in 2013. The goal of doubling bilateral trade to 20 billion New Zealand dollars ($15.69 billion) by 2015 was achieved ahead of schedule. As such, a new target of 30 billion New Zealand dollars has been set for 2020.
On Thursday, China and New Zealand decided to deepen relations, agreeing on a comprehensive strategic partnership. Later on Friday, Xi is scheduled to fly to Fiji to continue his South Pacific tour. Xi was previously in Australia for the G20 summit in Brisbane.
