China, New Zealand pledge continuous development of bilateral ties

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday held a phone conversation with New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters, and the two sides pledged to promote the continuous development of bilateral relations.

China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with New Zealand and promote bilateral relations to achieve new development at a new starting point, Wang said. Wang called on the two sides to adhere to mutual respect and understanding and properly handle differences.

Peters said New Zealand is willing to work with China to push for the continuous development of bilateral relations to maintain and promote the common interests of both countries.

New Zealand looks forward to enhancing cooperation with China in areas such as trade, tourism and climate change, he said. The two sides also exchanged views on international issues.