Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry

TheMK sport visit of New Zealand's deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Winston Peters marks an important high-level exchange between the two countries as China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Tuesday, in response to media inquiries that Peters stated after his China visit last week that close ties between New Zealand and China are in the second decade.

During the visit, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Peters respectively. The two sides engaged in candid and in-depth exchange of views on China-New Zealand relations and international and regional issues of mutual concern, according to Lin.

They unanimously agreed to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen communication, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, Lin said, adding that Peters reiterated New Zealand's commitment to the one-China policy and its dedication to being a positive cooperative partner of China, which China expressed appreciation. 

China is willing to work together with New Zealand to carry on the tradition of friendship, and become partner of mutual trust and mutual achievement, in order to better benefit the peoples of both countries and maintain peace and stability in the region and the world, Lin said.

Global Times