Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with New Zealand's Governor-General Cindy Kiro on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and New Zealand Li Keqiang Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

On December 22, 2022, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with New Zealand's Governor-General Cindy Kiro to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Xi Jinping noted that China and New Zealand are each other's important partners. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 50 years ago, bilateral relations have maintained sound and stable development and created many "firsts". The cooperation between China and New Zealand in various fields has brought benefits to the people of the two countries and made important contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-New Zealand relations, and is ready to work with Governor-General Kiro to review historical experience, strengthen strategic communication, and continuously push forward China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

Kiro said New Zealand-China relations are one of New Zealand's most important bilateral relationships. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between New Zealand and China 50 years ago, great achievements have been made in the development of bilateral relations. New Zealand cherishes the long-standing history of exchanges between the two countries, and looks forward to further advancing bilateral cooperation to the benefit of the people of the two countries and the larger world.

On the same day, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council exchanged congratulatory messages with New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Li Keqiang said that China attaches great importance to the development of relations with New Zealand, and stands ready to work with New Zealand to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, expand exchanges and advance cooperation, so as to push for new and greater development of China-New Zealand relations.

Ardern said that New Zealand sees China as a key part of regional prosperity and stability. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, New Zealand looks forward to strengthening interaction with China, deepening economic, trade, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries, and promoting bilateral cooperation on climate change and other global challenges.