New Zealand deputy prime minister to visit China

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will embark on a three-day visit to China, starting on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun announced on Thursday.

Speaking at a daily news briefing, Guo said the visit is the first important high-level exchange between China and New Zealand this year and is also the first of its kind by Peters since taking office in 2023.

"It is of great significance for promoting the implementation of the important consensuses reached by the leaders of the two countries and consolidating the sound momentum of the development of bilateral relations," he added.

According to the spokesman, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will have in-depth exchanges with Peters on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of mutual concern.

"China looks forward to strengthening strategic communication with New Zealand, enhancing mutual understanding, deepening exchanges and cooperation, jointly addressing challenges, and striving to build the relationship characterized by mutual respect, inclusiveness, cooperation and common development," Guo added.