President hails strong ties with NZ

He also talks with Syria's leader, backs efforts to safeguard its sovereignty

President Xi Jinping has called on New Zealand to work with China to uphold and practice true multilateralism for win-win cooperation and jointly promote the development of regional economic integration.

Xi made the remark in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern on Friday.

Their phone talks came after China recently filed a formal application to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, a new partnership agreement between New Zealand, Chile and Singapore to establish new rules and practices for digital trade. New Zealand is the depositary of the agreement.

It also took place after the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, signed by all 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and five other Asia-Pacific region countries including China and New Zealand, was announced to take effect from Jan 1 next year.

Xi expressed China's support for New Zealand in hosting this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, saying that the country stands ready to work with other members to obtain positive achievements from the 2021 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

It is hoped that the meeting will inject fresh impetus into the international efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, promote economic recovery, development and prosperity in the region, and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, he said.

Xi hailed bilateral ties, saying that both countries have put aside their differences in politics, history and culture and obtained many results from their cooperation.

As next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and New Zealand, he underlined the need for the two countries to draw on the experience and strengthen strategic communication.

They should uphold openness and inclusiveness, and build up consensus while putting aside differences to deepen pragmatic cooperation, Xi said.

While calling for properly handling disparities between the two countries, Xi urged efforts to advance the healthy and stable development of the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership to deliver more benefits to the two peoples.

The two countries should leverage their respective strengths to expand mutually beneficial economic and trade cooperation, and uphold the stability of industrial and supply chains, he said, adding that China welcomes New Zealand participating in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Ardern said that the relationship with China is one of New Zealand's most important bilateral relationships. She added that she looks forward to Xi's participation in the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting next week and contributing his wisdom to international cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, advancing Asia-Pacific cooperation and promoting open and inclusive growth in the region, Ardern said.

New Zealand remains committed to the one-China policy, she said, adding that her country is confident the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics will be a complete success.

On Friday, Xi also spoke with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over the phone. He expressed China's support for Syria in national reconstruction and development, and welcomed the country joining the Global Development Initiative and participating in the joint building of the Belt and Road.

China firmly supports Syria in safeguarding its national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, and strongly opposes external forces interfering in the country's domestic affairs, Xi said.

Beijing is confident Syria will overcome various risks and challenges to achieve new victories in the struggle for its national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.

The Syrian president appreciated China in upholding international law and international fairness and justice, saying it has made huge contributions to promoting world peace, stability and development.

Syria attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with China, supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and wants to expand and deepen bilateral cooperation, he said, adding that Syria welcomes Chinese companies increasing their investment in the country.

Syria will continue to resolutely support China on issues related to Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong and the Taiwan question, as well as human rights and South China Sea issues, he said.