Prime Minister of State Council Wen Jiabao met in Wellington with his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark on April 6, 2006.

Wen said China-New Zealand relations are enjoying a sound momentum of development and bilateral cooperation areas are continuously expanding. New Zealand is the first developed country to sign the bilateral agreement with China on China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), to recognize China's full market economy status and to launch bilateral negotiations with China on the creation of a free trade area. We appreciate the active efforts by the government of New Zealand in promoting bilateral relations and wish to see New Zealand become No. 1 in more areas in relation with China.

Wen pointed out as important countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and New Zealand share the responsibility of safeguarding and promoting regional security and prosperity. The two countries hold identical or similar views on many key international issues. For instance, both advocate multilateralism and both are committed to the democratization of international relations. Both cultures are diversified, inclusive and open. Both countries insist to enhance understanding and communication between different civilizations through dialogue and to enhance regional cooperation for common development. The common propositions and interests between China and New Zealand lay a solid foundation for deepening bilateral comprehensive cooperation. China-New Zealand relations can serve as a model for the harmonious coexistence and reciprocal cooperation between countries with different political systems, different cultural traditions and different historical backgrounds.

Clark fully agreed with Wen's comments on bilateral relations. She said New Zealand and China have established friendly and close relations with frequent top-level exchanges and productive cooperation in various areas. New Zealand is satisfied with the continuous development of bilateral relations.

Clark indicated as a fast growing nation, China plays a key role in the region and the whole world at large. It is in the interest of New Zealand and also conducive to peace and development of Asia-Pacific to enhance cooperation with China in a wide range of areas. New Zealand looks at its relations with China from a strategic perspective and wishes to become a partner of China in all areas. Clark reiterated the government of New Zealand sticks to the one-China policy and is opposed to the separation of Taiwan from China by any means.

The two sides also conducted a pragmatic and constructive discussion on deepening bilateral cooperation and reached the following consensus: First, to establish comprehensive cooperative relations between China and New Zealand for mutual benefits and a win-win situation in the 21st century. Second, to create an annual meeting mechanism between the leaderships of the two countries. Third, to try to reach a comprehensive, balanced, high-quality agreement acceptable to both parties on the creation of a free trade area within one or two years. Fourth, to expand mutual investments in agriculture and animal husbandry. Fifth, to define bioscience and IT as the new cooperation orientations between the two countries and to set up China-New Zealand Joint Committee on Science and Technology as early as possible. Sixth, to jointly fight against transnational crimes. Seventh, to enhance coordination and support in East Asia Summit and the Pacific Island States Organization.

Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers attended the signing ceremony of a series of bilateral cooperative documents including China-New Zealand Treaty on Criminal and Judicial Assistance and the Agreement between the Governments of China and New Zealand on Culture. They also co-hosted a press conference. Wen attended a welcoming banquet hosted by Prime Minister Clark to his honor at noon on the same day.