Beijing was abuzz on Friday as the Chinese mainland's top legislator Zhao Leji welcomed New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for talks aimed at boosting their nations' strategic partnership. Against the backdrop of growing global challenges, both sides underscored the value of trust, openness and mutual benefit.
Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, highlighted a decade of positive momentum in Chinese mainland-New Zealand relations. He said the two countries have reaped tangible benefits from closer economic and cultural ties, and he vowed to enrich their partnership through enhanced mutual understanding.
Under the strategic guidance of both leaders, the comprehensive strategic partnership has led to rising trade volumes and deeper people-to-people exchanges. Zhao added that the NPC is ready to work hand in hand with the New Zealand parliament to expand cooperation in multilateral mechanisms and to provide legal guarantees for implementing the leaders' consensus.
Luxon praised New Zealand's continued adherence to the one-China policy and noted that bilateral ties have reached a new high of quality development. He said New Zealand is keen to step up collaboration in economic, trade, cultural and people-to-people fields, as well as strengthen parliamentary exchanges to tackle global challenges together.
This meeting signals a shared commitment to bridging distances and seizing new opportunities in an interconnected world. As both sides map out next steps, young professionals, entrepreneurs and global citizens from both nations can look forward to more chances for collaboration, innovation and cultural discovery.
Reference(s):
China's top legislator says to carry forward traditional ties with NZ
cgtn.com
