Top legislators of China, New Zealand hold talks on lifting ties

Zhang Dejiang (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), holds talks with New Zealand Parliament Speaker David Carter in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

Top legislators of China and New Zealand agreed here on Friday to enhance friendly exchanges between the two top legislatures.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), told visiting New Zealand Parliament Speaker David Carter that the two top legislatures can strengthen ties in several areas.

Firstly, both sides should further enhance mutual trust through respect to each other's major interests and concerns to safeguard the general stability of bilateral relations, according to Zhang.

Secondly, the two legislatures can boost exchanges of experience in building a country under the rule of law, in promoting balanced economic and social development as well as other fields, said Zhang.

China is ready to strengthen cooperation with New Zealand in building rules and regulations to promote countercorruption and crime-combating, he stressed.

Thirdly, Zhang called on the two top legislatures to provide steadily and reliable legal guarantee for trade and investment between the two countries.

Fourthly, both sides can together play an active role in promoting China-New Zealand cultural exchanges and communications between political parties, youths, localities and media.

Recalling President Xi Jinping's visit to New Zealand in 2014, Zhang said the Chinese side is willing to work with New Zealand to fully implement the consensus reached by leaders of the two countries and strengthen cooperation in various fields, so as to promote greater development of China-New Zealand relations and bring more benefits to the two peoples.

Zhang also briefed the guests on the sixth plenary session of the 18th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which was held from Monday to Thursday.

Speaking highly of the achievements China has made under the CPC leadership, Carter stressed that the New Zealand Parliament is committed to promoting mutual beneficial cooperation with China.

The New Zealand Parliament supports the one-China position, said Carter.