Beijing, May 23rd—Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Jonathan Austin, Newly-appointed New Zealand Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. 

Lu said, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China-New Zealand relations have continued to develop and set many "firsts" in China's relations with developed countries. In the face of a complex international situation, the two countries should strengthen dialogue and cooperation to promote greater development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership and make more contributions to regional prosperity and stability. The CPC attaches great importance to its relations with New Zealand's political parties and is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the main political parties of New Zealand to promote the steady and long-term development of China-New Zealand relations. 

Jonathan Austin said, New Zealand attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in economy, trade, culture and other fields to benefit the people of both countries. The Embassy of New Zealand in China supports closer dialogue and exchanges between New Zealand and China and is willing to strengthen ties with the IDCPC. 

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