Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli met with Bill English, visiting deputy prime minister of New Zealand, on Monday, talking up opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.
At the meeting in Zhongnanhai, the headquarters of the Chinese government, Zhang said China is ready to work with New Zealand to strengthen dialogues and exchanges on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
He said bilateral relations have developed soundly following President Xi Jinping's visit to New Zealand last year.
The two countries have maintained frequent contact between their leaders and China has become New Zealand's top trade partner as two-way trade has grown rapidly, Zhang noted.
English said New Zealand is glad to see China's economic development. He expressed readiness to help prepared for the establishment of the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank, saying New Zealand is willing to cooperate more broadly with China.
