On May 26, 2005, Chairman Wu Bangguo of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) who was paying an official good-will visit to New Zealand met with Hon Margaret Wilson, Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand in the New Zealand parliament tower.

Wu first of all thanked Speaker Wilson for her cordial invitation, saying that this is the first time for him to visit New Zealand. Once stepping on this beautiful and fertile land he feels strongly the friendly feeling of the New Zealand people towards the Chinese people. Likewise he brings about the best wishes of the Chinese people to the New Zealand people."

Wilson noted that as the newly elected Speaker she is very glad to receive Chairman Wu in New Zealand. She said although the two countries have different social and parliamentary systems, both the NPC of China and the New Zealand House of Representatives have the legislative and supervision powers and to reinforce the exchanges between the two bodies is of great significance to building up the bilateral ties.

Wu said that the friendly relations between China and New Zealand based on mutual trust, mutual benefit and reciprocity have got increasingly mature and face new opportunities. To develop the long-term friendly relations between the two countries is in the fundamental interest of the two countries and their peoples and conducive to regional peace and development as well. The purpose of his visit to New Zealand is to push for the progress of China-New Zealand relations including the relations between the NPC of China and the New Zealand House of Representatives.

When talking about parliamentary exchanges, Wu pointed out that parliamentary exchanges constitute a major part of country-to-country relations. Parliament members represent the people and the parliament reflects the will of the people. Parliamentary exchanges help promote the understanding and friendship between peoples, enhance the exchanges and cooperation in various fields and consolidate and develop the public opinion foundation of bilateral ties. The NPC of China attaches great importance to developing relations with the New Zealand House of Representatives and expects to further reinforce bilateral friendly exchanges, maintain the frequent contacts of the leaders of both sides, strengthen the exchanges between the special committees and friendship groups of the two sides, encourage the exchanges of young members and strengthen consultations and coordination in both the international and regional parliamentary organizations. Wu invited Speaker Wilson to visit China at her convenience and extended welcome to an increasing number of New Zealand parliament members to visit China. Speaker Wilson accepted the invitation with pleasure and expressed agreement with Wu's opinions.

Re Di, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of NPC and other major accompanying personnel were present at the meeting.