Chinese Ambassador to New Zealand Wang Xiaolong called for the further deepening of the friendship between China and New Zealand at the annual conference of the New Zealand China Friendship Society (NZCFS) last month.
He said that developing a strong relationship between the two countries is a long-term strategic decision. Both China and New Zealand believe in and advocate multilateralism, support the international system with the United Nations as its core, and are committed to international cooperation in addressing global challenges like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, Wang said.
“Let’s work together to build upon the progress over the past 50 years and bring about further development of the China–New Zealand relationship in the next 50 years and beyond, generating even greater benefits for both sides, particularly both peoples,” he added.
Speaking at the same event, Dave Bromwich, president of the NZCFS, also called for renewing and enhancing the friendship between New Zealand and China. He said that the mission of the NZCFS is to promote goodwill, understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries.
Bromwich encouraged young Kiwis to engage with their peers in China, and to study Chinese society and the Chinese language.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand. It also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the NZCFS.
