Peters meets Chinese Premier
Thirty-five years of diplomatic relations are discussed as Foreign Minister Winston Peters meets Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing
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Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing today.
"Today's meeting was productive and informative," Mr Peters said.
"Wen Jiabao has the monumental task of managing China's government as the country continues its transition towards becoming one of the world's major powers.
"We discussed ways of expanding and strengthening New Zealand and China's relationship as our two countries mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.
"We also talked in detail about recent developments in the Pacific, which built on our discussions in New Zealand last April, and the Premier's talks with the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, at the East Asia Summit earlier this year.
"China is keen to work closely with New Zealand in the Pacific, and over the last year we have been developing a cooperative and productive dialogue with China on its engagement in the region."
Wen Jiabao has been Premier since 2003, which makes him the country's second-ranked leader behind President Hu Jintao. Premier Wen visited New Zealand in April 2006, meeting Mr Peters and the Prime Minister.
Mr Peters' call on Wen Jiabao was his last official call in Beijing. He ends his six-day visit to China in Shanghai, where later tonight he will give a speech at the Shanghai Forum.
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Foreign Minister Winston Peters met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing today.
"Today's meeting was productive and informative," Mr Peters said.
"Wen Jiabao has the monumental task of managing China's government as the country continues its transition towards becoming one of the world's major powers.
"We discussed ways of expanding and strengthening New Zealand and China's relationship as our two countries mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.
"We also talked in detail about recent developments in the Pacific, which built on our discussions in New Zealand last April, and the Premier's talks with the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, at the East Asia Summit earlier this year.
"China is keen to work closely with New Zealand in the Pacific, and over the last year we have been developing a cooperative and productive dialogue with China on its engagement in the region."
Wen Jiabao has been Premier since 2003, which makes him the country's second-ranked leader behind President Hu Jintao. Premier Wen visited New Zealand in April 2006, meeting Mr Peters and the Prime Minister.
Mr Peters' call on Wen Jiabao was his last official call in Beijing. He ends his six-day visit to China in Shanghai, where later tonight he will give a speech at the Shanghai Forum.