On the afternoon of October 26, 2003, President Hu Jintao, who was on a state visit to New Zealand, met with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark in Auckland. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral friendly relations and cooperation and regional and international issues of common concern in a candid and friendly manner, and reached consensus on a number of issues.

Hu said that relations between China and New Zealand have developed well, with frequent exchange of visits by leaders of the two countries and at all levels, 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. 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 New Zealand on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and common development. To this end, the Chinese side proposed the following. First, 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. Second, the two countries should strengthen economic cooperation and trade. The economies of China and New Zealand are highly complementary. Trade is high on the agenda of New Zealand. China's reform and development have provided favorable conditions for China and New Zealand to strengthen economic cooperation and trade. It is hoped that New Zealand enterprises should grasp opportunities, and take part in China's market competition. China held a positive attitude towards signing an economic cooperation agreement with New Zealand. Third, the two sides should explore new areas of mutually beneficial cooperation. Cooperation between China and New Zealand in many areas already has a good foundation. Further expanding bilateral cooperation has broad prospects. New Zealand has its strengths in environmental protection, farming and animal husbandry. The two sides can draw on each other's strengths and explore and create new cooperation opportunities for the benefit of the two peoples. Fourth, the two sides should 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.

Clark agreed with Hu's proposals. She spoke highly of the strong development momentum and remarkable 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 sustained rapid economic development 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, and said that New Zealand and China have consensus on upholding multi-lateralism and other major international issues. Commending the important role and influence 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. They also met the press together and took questions on bilateral economic cooperation and China's South Pacific policy.