Chinese President Xi Jinping is he first visit by a Chinese head of state to New Zealand in 11 years. It is Xi’s third trip to the country, but his first as president.

His visit aims to enhance trust and cooperation between the two countries. Xi announced the China and New Zealand have decided to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, from the comprehensive cooperative relationship established in 2003. He said the two countries have established the guiding principle, and charted a new blueprint for the future of the bilateral ties.

China and New Zealand will expand cooperation in trade and investment, and make joint efforts in achieving the bilateral trade goal of 30 billion NZ dollars by 2020. Xi stressed that China and New Zealand could also strengthen their cooperation in the FTAAP process.

Prime Minister John Key said New Zealand will continue supporting China on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns. He said New Zealand hopes to expand its export of dairy and agricultural products to China and welcome more investment from Chinese companies. The two leaders then witnessed the signing of a series of bilateral agreements on climate change, education, finance, food safety and tourism.

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