WELLINGTON, Nov. 21 -- The head of the New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS) on Friday praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for his sincerity and warmth in advancing the bilateral relationship during his just concluded state visit.

NZCFSN National President Dave Bromwich said it was encouraging to see how the relationship was developing.

"It's an exciting stage in the relationship between the two countries. I think we are still very much in the China eye with the relationship. It's a maturing relationship," Bromwich told Xinhua in a phone interview.

"It's very gratifying to see the sincerity and warmth of the relationship," he said.

The agreements and arrangements signed between the two countries during the visit showed "very, very good progress," said Bromwich.

During Xi's three-day visit to New Zealand, which started on Wednesday, the two countries decided to upgrade their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.