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HE Ambassador Wang Xiaolong Attends the Annual Conference of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society and Delivered a keynote Speech

(From Chinese Embassy in New Zealand)

2022-06-22 15:08

On June 18, HE Ambassador Wang Xiaolong was invited to the Annual Conference of the New Zealand-China Friendship Society (NZCFS) and delivered a keynote speech. HE Lin Songtian, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) delivered a video speech. Chinese Consul General in Auckland Mr Ruan Ping, NZCFS National Patron and former New Zealand Speaker Rt Hon Sir David Carter, National President of NZCFS Mr Dave Bromwich and dozens of friends and representatives from all walks of life attended the event.

Ambassador Wang delivered a keynote speech titled "Carry forward the Spirit of Rewi Alley to deepen China-New Zealand Friendship" at the opening ceremony of the Conference. He expressed the warm congratulations on the convening of the conference off line, appreciated the NZCFS for its contribution to China-New Zealand relations, and said that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand, which is not only a major milestone in the bilateral relations, but also an important opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved together and look ahead to chart the course for the future. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations half a century ago, China-New Zealand relations have created many “firsts” in China’s relations with western developed countries, bringing huge benefits to the two countries and peoples, and contributing to regional and global peace and prosperity. In his phone conversation with Prime Minister Ardern last November, President Xi Jinping encouraged the two sides, especially the youths from the two countries, to enhance exchanges and communications in the spirit of Rewi Alley. 

Ambassador Wang emphasized that Mr Alley is a great internationalist, a forerunner of Gungho movement, an old friend of the Chinese people, and arguably the best known kiwi in China. Though Mr Alley left us 35 years ago, his spirit, transcending time and space, still lives on, which is mainly reflected in the following 5 Cs: The first C is his firm CONFIDENCE in China’s future. The second C is CONSISTENCY in his lifelong love for China and support for China-New Zealand relations. The third C is the deep-rooted COOPERATION mentality. The fourth C is CREATIVITY in solving problems. The fifth and final C is his unswerving COMMITMENT to peace and development. The above-mentioned 5Cs provide us with important inspirations for steering the bilateral relations in the right direction in a changing world to ensure the relationship’s healthy and stable development.

Ambassador Wang pointed out that both China and New Zealand put people at the centre and take improving people’s lives as our top priority. Both are committed to upholding fair and effective international and regional rules and architecture. Both believe in openness, inclusion and integration, and multilateralism. Both support peace and oppose war. Both aspire to sustained peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia Pacific region. These shared aspirations make our two countries partners. New Zealand and China working together at bilateral, regional and global levels will contribute to a better world and will help us to realize our respective national goals, the Chinese dream in the case of China, and the Kiwi dream for New Zealand. To make it happen, we need to rise above the clouds and keep our sights on the silver-lining, as Mr Alley did, and to persevere in promoting our bilateral relations and expanding and deepening our cooperation. Developing a strong relationship with NZ has never been a choice of convenience for China, but rather a long-term strategic decision. The achievements in the China-New Zealand relations over the past five decades is the result of painstaking efforts from both sides. Looking ahead, further development of our relationship will still require the continued hard work from both sides. Let’s work together to build upon the progress over the past 50 years, by continuing to strive to be the first, by adhering to the principles of mutual respect, mutual understanding, and mutual benefit, and by seeking to build up commonalities while managing our differences constructively through dialogues and consultations, to bring about further development of China-New Zealand relationship in the next 50 years and beyond, generating even greater benefits for both sides, particularly both peoples. 

President Dave Bromwich said that since the establishment of the NZCFS, its goal has been set to eliminate the fog of ignorance, provide objective information, and strive to help New Zealanders strengthen their understanding and support of new China. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between New Zealand and China, the NZCFS will continue to promote mutual trust between the two countries, counter China-related misinformation and false information, deepen the goodwill and understanding between the two peoples, and continue to build on the friendship between New Zealand and China.

Rt Hon Sir Carter said that in the past decades, China has made extraordinary achievements in economic and social development, and hundreds of millions of Chinese people have been lifted out of poverty and become middle-income groups. The signing of the Free Trade Agreement between China and New Zealand has made a huge contribution to the livelihoods of Kiwis. New Zealand is proud of its independent foreign policy and has its rights to be friends with anyone. Although China and New Zealand deal with issues in different ways, New Zealand should appreciate China's development achievements and oppose China-related false information.

President Lin Songtian congratulated the NZCFS on its 70th anniversary, and appreciated its long-term outstanding contribution to China-New Zealand relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, the China-New Zealand relations have always been at the forefront of relations between China and Western countries. Upholding the principles of mutual respect, seeking common ground while shelving differences, equality and mutual benefit, the East and West could coexist peacefully, and cooperate for win-win results and develop together. China has always regarded New Zealand as an important strategic cooperative partner and has full confidence in the development of bilateral relations. CPAFFC is willing to deepen cooperation with NZCFS, jointly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, inherit and carry forward the Rewi Alley spirit, actively promote the friendship between the two peoples, and open a new chapter of China-New Zealand friendship.

Ambassador Wang also celebrated the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the NZCFS together with all the guests. The event was carried out in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

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