WELLINGTON, May 26 -- China and New Zealand have vowed to further promote bilateral relations.

The pledge was made here Tuesday during a meeting between Liu Qibao, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

China-New Zealand relations have not only reached a higher new level, but also are at their best period in history, Liu said, calling on the two countries to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation and expand people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Liu said the CPC stands ready to continue boosting exchanges and cooperation with New Zealand's ruling party - the National Party in areas such as governance, noting that party-to-party exchange between the two countries plays an important leading role in the development of bilateral ties.

Key, for his part, said current New Zealand-China relations are enjoying a full and in-depth development with fruitful results achieved in all fields and at all levels.

New Zealand highly values its ties with China and is willing to work with China to strengthen communication and cooperation to benefit the two peoples and contribute to the stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.

During his visit, Liu attended the launch of Glamorous New Zealand, a jointly produced documentary of China and New Zealand, and the start of producing its sister piece Glamorous China, along with the opening ceremony of 2016 Chinese Film Week in Wellington.

Liu was also present at a photo and book exhibition which put together some 70 photos and 400 books showcasing a diversified China from different aspects.

Liu is here on a three-day official visit to New Zealand starting on May 24.

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