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Chinese Military Leader Arrives in New Zealand
General Zhang Wannian, vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission, and his party arrived in Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand 's South Island, at Thursday's midnight to begin their official and goodwill visit to New Zealand.
"Our visit to New Zealand is aimed at enhancing our mutual understanding and confidence, promoting friendship and cooperation, thus laying a solid foundation for the further development of China-New Zealand relations in the new century as a new chapter," General Zhang said in his written speech released at the Christchurch International Airport.
"Both China and New Zealand are important countries of the Asia- Pacific region. A friendly cooperative China-New Zealand relationship meets not only the fundamental interest of China and New Zealand and the two peoples, but also the need for safeguarding the security, stability and prosperity of the region, " he said.
"Since diplomatic relations were established in 1972, the mutually beneficial cooperation between China and New Zealand in every field has made continuous progress. In recent years, the exchange of visits by our leaders, the ever-increasing exchanges at different levels and in different fields have added a new impetus for the further development of our bilateral relations. Thus, the relations between our two countries and defense forces are maintaining a momentum of healthy development," the Chinese military leader said in his speech.
"We are looking forward to exchanging views with New Zealand Government and military leaders on the regional security and bilateral issues of common concern, visiting troops of the New Zealand Army, Navy and Air Force, learning from the New Zealand Defense Force the successful experience in reform and development in the next few days. We believe that with the joint efforts of the two sides, our visit will be a great success," General Zhang said.
Air Marshal Cary Adamson, chief of the New Zealand Defense Force; Chen Mingming, Chinese ambassador to New Zealand; and others greeted General Zhang and his party at the airport.
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