China, New Zealand vow to advance bilateral ties

China and New Zealand vowed here Tuesday to push forward their all-round cooperative ties on the occasion of 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

"China would like to work with New Zealand to intensify exchanges at various levels, and continuously deepen beneficial cooperation," Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan told visiting Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen.

Zeng noted that Chinese President Hu Jintao and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark had reached an important agreement on bilateral ties during their meeting at the 15th Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Cullen, who is also New Zealand's minister of finance and tertiary education, said the relationship with China is one of the most important bilateral ties for New Zealand.

New Zealand will continue exchanges and cooperation with China in broad fields, he said.

Cullen reaffirmed New Zealand's firm adherence to the one-China policy, opposing "Taiwan independence".

The two sides also agreed to further promote the free trade agreement (FTA) talks between the two countries, and exchanged views on the situation of Pacific islands, climate changes as well as issues of common concern.

Cullen is paying an official visit to China from Sept. 23 to 26at the invitation of Zeng.

Source: Xinhua