Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark in Auckland Sunday and the two leaders candidly exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concern and reached consensus on a number of issues.

President Hu said relations between China and New Zealand have developed well, with frequent exchange of visits by leaders of the two countries, rapidly growing bilateral trade and steadily expanding cooperation in education, tourism, technology, environment protection and culture.

The smooth development in bilateral ties should be attributed to the importance attached to the relationship by leaders of the two countries and their correct understanding of the orientation of the development of such ties, Hu said, noting that both sides are committed to enhancing understanding and expanding common ground on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity.

Stressing that China attaches great importance to developing ties with New Zealand, Hu said China is willing to expand cooperation and further promote relations of all-round cooperation with Wellington on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and common development.

To this end, Hu said, China is willing to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges of visits and give full play to the existing consultation and dialogue mechanism so as to deepen mutual trust and expand common interests.

In addition, he said, the two countries should strengthen economic cooperation and trade, expand the areas of mutually beneficial cooperation and enhance consultation and coordination on regional and international issues with an eye on peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world at large.

For her part, Clark spoke highly of the strong development momentum and progress that the New Zealand-China ties have witnessed, agreeing that the frequent political exchanges between the two countries, the rapidly-developing bilateral trade and the ever-expanding bilateral cooperation in education, technology, agriculture and tourism have helped produce a vigorous partnership.

She also noted that against the backdrop of an overall slowdown in world economic growth, China's booming economy and expanding market have made important contributions to boosting regional and global economic growth.

Clark reiterated New Zealand's adherence to the one-China policy.

Commending the role China has played in international affairs, the prime minister vowed to enhance cooperation and consultation with China in regional and international organizations and promote a comprehensive development of friendly cooperation in all fields.

After their talks, the two leaders attended the signing of three agreements between China and New Zealand, including one on consular affairs and another on scientific and technological cooperation.

President Hu arrived here Saturday afternoon for a three-day state visit after touring Australia and Thailand, where he also attended the informal Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2003)