1st LD: Chinese president says willing to boost ties with New Zealand

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday that China is willing to work with New Zealand to strengthen dialogue, expand cooperation and advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi made the remarks in his congratulatory message to New Zealand Governor-General Patsy Reddy to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

In the message, Xi said the bilateral relations have achieved remarkable progress in the past 45 years, bringing huge benefits to the two countries and peoples and promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

China is willing to work with New Zealand to strengthen dialogue and communication, expand pragmatic cooperation and advance their comprehensive strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, Xi said.

In her congratulatory message, Reddy said the scope and significance of the bilateral relations have grown rapidly. The two sides have enjoyed strong political ties and seen constant enhancement of communication and cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, and people-to-people exchanges.

The relations with China is among New Zealand's most important and comprehensive foreign relations. Many firsts created by the two countries are hailed by the international community, Reddy said, adding that her country looks forward to further development of New Zealand-China ties. Enditem