China pledges to make its relations with New Zealand "exemplary"

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R), who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, shakes hands with New Zealand's Labour Party leader Phil Goff during a meeting in Beijing, China, June 10, 2010. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

China on Thursday pledged to build its relationship with New Zealand to serve as a model for other countries with different systems.

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping made the remark in a meeting with New Zealand's Labour Party leader Phil Goff.

In their hour-long meeting at the Great Hall of the People, Xi and Goff discussed the growth of China-New Zealand ties, acknowledging sound cooperation in trade and economy, science and technology, tourism, education and culture.

New Zealand was the first western country to sign a free trade agreement with China during Goff's visit to Beijing in 2008.

Xi called for a stronger China-New Zealand relationship, envisioning it as "a paradigm of how countries with different social systems, cultural traditions and backgrounds can seek mutually-beneficial cooperation and exist in harmony."

Xi spoke highly of exchanges between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and New Zealand's Labour Party, saying the CPC valued its friendly ties with all parties in New Zealand.

"The CPC would like to strengthen its high-level exchanges with New Zealand's Labour Party, enhance communications in all fields and boost nation-to-nation relations," Xi said.

Goff recalled the establishment of bilateral diplomatic ties in 1972, saying the event came right after Labour's election victory that year.

Goff said his party was proud of maintaining friendly ties with Beijing and would continue to adhere to the one-China policy and support China's core interests.

Goff travelled to Shanghai for the World Expo 2010 before he came to Beijing on Wednesday.

Source: Xinhua