Beijing, December 9th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Ambassador of New Zealand to China Grahame Robert Morton, who was to leave his post.

Liu spoke positively of Morton's contributions to promoting China-New Zealand relations during his tenure. Liu said, since the establishment of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership ten years ago, practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results. The current world sees growing uncertain and unstable factors. China and New Zealand are both in the Asia-Pacific region. A stable and sustainable China-New Zealand relationship is conducive to regional and world peace and prosperity. China is willing to work with New Zealand to strengthen inter-party exchanges, enhance political dialogue, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and promote China-New Zealand relations for steady and long-term development. 

Morton said, New Zealand-China relationship is very important. Both sides share extensive common interests in maintaining free trade, addressing climate change, and helping Pacific island countries with their development. New Zealand is willing to maintain high-level exchanges with China, strengthen dialogue and communication, properly handle differences, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade, green development, and public health. New Zealand attaches importance to China's important role in international and regional affairs, and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China under multilateral mechanisms. 

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.