Helen Clark, Prime Minister of New Zealand, expressed her hope February 24 for a strengthening of ties and friendship of New Zealand and her government with China in the years to come. Clark has thus given her desire when she met with a Chinese delegation of the National People's Congress (NPC) led by Zhou Guangzhao, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of NPC.

It is reported that the two parties had cordial friendly talks held. The Chinese NPC delegation will end its visit and return to China on February 26.