Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2nd R) meets with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand Winston Peters in Da Nang, Vietnam, Nov. 11, 2017. (Xinhua/Fei Maohua)
DA NANG, Vietnam, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to strengthen cooperation with New Zealand in various areas including high-level exchanges, trade facilitation, security and defense, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said here Saturday.
Wang made the remarks when meeting New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to New Zealand in 2014 helped the two sides forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, said Wang, adding that Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's visit this year further invigorated the development of bilateral ties.
The Chinese foreign minister noted that China is willing to work with New Zealand to promote exchanges at different levels, build an upgraded China-New Zealand free trade area, and strengthen cooperation in such areas as law enforcement, security and defense.
Wang also briefed Peters on the important achievements of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, noting that China is willing to work with other countries to build a new model of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind.
For his part, Peters said that enhancing cooperation with China is a consensus in New Zealand and that Wellington will continue its friendly policy toward China, stick to the one China policy, and deepen cooperation in various fields.
He added that New Zealand will work with China to hunt corruption suspects who have fled overseas and will not be a "safe haven" for those fugitives.
