UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met his New Zealand counterpart, Murray McCully, on the sidelines of a Security Council open debate initiated by China.

Noting that China and New Zealand are good friends and were allies during WWII, Wang said the two sides should collaborate closely within the framework of the Security Council and review lessons of history so as to better fulfill responsibilities as members of the Security Council in safeguarding world peace and security.

"Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping successfully paid a historic visit to New Zealand, lifting China-New Zealand relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and pointing out the direction of future development of bilateral relations," said Wang.

Wang also said the two sides should implement in a timely manner the significant consensus reached by leaders of the two countries, enhance high-level exchanges, continuously deepen communication and cooperation in areas like economy and trade, defense, culture, justice and law enforcement, and the tracking down of fugitives in order to better benefit the two peoples.

McCully said it is necessary for the international community to take the 70th anniversary of the victory of WWII as an opportunity to learn from the lessons of history and look into a better future on this basis.

He said New Zealand congratulates China on successfully holding the open debate which has demonstrated China's excellent leadership, and his country is willing to continue to communicate with China on this matter.

Noting that New Zealand and China enjoy special, good and powerful relations, McCully said he is happy that President Xi's visit to New Zealand last year has been a huge success.

McCully also said he hopes the two sides can enhance high-level exchanges, promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all aspects, and further strengthen communication and cooperation within the framework of the Security Council.