CHRISTCHURCH - China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin arrived in Christchurch of southern New Zealand Sunday morning for a 4-day official good-will visit, at the invitation of the government of New Zealand.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand. The bilateral relations achieved substantial development with the joint efforts of the two governments and peoples. Exchanges and cooperation in a wide range of areas, such as economy and trade, science and technology, culture, education and tourism, yielded significant results, and the two countries carried out increasingly close coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said in a written statement upon arrival.

He said the development of China-New Zealand relations did not only bring tangible benefits to the two peoples, but also made positive contribution to peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

Jia said China has always attached great importance to the bilateral relations and viewed New Zealand as a good friend and partner of mutual respect, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation in this region.

China was ready to work with New Zealand to take the opportunity of the 40th anniversary to enhance their political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, deepen friendship, and achieve greater development in the all-round cooperative relationship between the two countries, he said.

New Zealand is the first stop of Jia's three-nation visit in the Asia-Pacific region, which will also take him to Brunei and Thailand.