China, New Zealand celebrate 50 years of ties

President Xi Jinping called on Thursday for efforts to promote China-New Zealand relations so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, as he exchanged congratulations with New Zealand's Governor-General Cindy Kiro on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said that China and New Zealand are important partners to each other, and their bilateral ties have maintained sound and steady development over the past 50 years, with many "firsts" having been created in their relations.

China-New Zealand cooperation in various fields has brought benefits to the two peoples and made important contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, Xi said.

Noting that he attaches great importance to the development of relations with New Zealand, Xi said he is ready to work with Kiro to learn from historical experience and strengthen strategic communications to push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Kiro hailed the relationship with China as one of New Zealand's most important bilateral relationships. New Zealand cherishes the two countries' time-honored history of exchanges and looks forward to further advancing bilateral cooperation for the benefit of their peoples and the whole world, she said.

Also on Thursday, Premier Li Keqiang exchanged congratulations with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

They pledged to strengthen communication between the two countries, enhance mutual trust, expand bilateral exchanges and cooperation, and jointly address global challenges.

New Zealand is the first developed country to have signed a bilateral free trade agreement with China. China is New Zealand's largest trading partner, with two-way trade reaching $24.71 billion last year, according to the Foreign Ministry.