Xi eyes fruitful outcomes in ties with New Zealand

President Xi Jinping sent a message on Thursday to New Zealand's Governor-General Cindy Kiro to congratulate her on assuming office.

In his message, Xi pointed out that China and New Zealand are important partners in cooperation, and China-New Zealand ties have yielded remarkable progress since diplomatic relations were established 49 years ago.

Bilateral cooperation has scored a number of "firsts" and brought tangible benefits to the people of both countries, Xi said.

Faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, China and New Zealand have carried out productive cooperation in aspects such as epidemic prevention and control as well as economic recovery, he noted.

Xi said he attaches great importance to advancing China-New Zealand relations, and is willing to work with the new governor-general to strengthen dialogue, exchanges and cooperation based on the principle of mutual respect and mutual benefit.

Xi also underlined his commitment to promoting the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership for yielding outcomes one after another, benefiting the two countries and the two peoples.

Kiro was sworn in at New Zealand's Parliament on Thursday to become the country's 22nd governor-general－United Kingdom Queen Elizabeth II's representative in New Zealand.

She was the first in her family to achieve a university qualification, and she has been the chief executive of the independent advisory body Royal Society of New Zealand, according to Britain's The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Kiro's appointment for a five-year term had been approved by the Queen.

Kiro has had "a highly distinguished and lengthy career in academic and leadership positions and has made significant contributions across a number of fields and organizations", New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters in May following the appointment.

Last month, Patsy Reddy, Kiro's predecessor, completed her five-year term as governor-general, according to Xinhua News Agency.