Christoper Luxon has met with Chinas President Xi Jinping for the first time while in Peru for the APEC summit.
During their scheduled 30-minute meeting, President Xi commended Luxon’s efforts at building a relationship with China and the growth between the two nations since he took office.
“I commend your efforts,” said Xi to Luxon, saying Luxon has attached importance to New Zealand and China co-operation.
“Over the past decade, China and New Zealand relations have maintained a momentum of sound and steady growth which has greatly improved the wellbeing of our two peoples and should be greatly cherished.
“China is ready to work with your government to create more firsts for our relations.”
Luxon told Xi that he looked forward to continuing to build their partnership and friendship, also speaking on the New Zealand China Free Trade Agreement which has generated almost $40 billion since the agreement was signed.
“We place great significance on our relationship with China. It is a long standing and important one,” said Luxon.
The leaders from APEC’s 21 economies across the Asia-Pacific region will be discussing Trumps promised tariffs after recently being elected in the US.
Luxon arrived in Peru overnight and was expected to speak to the media today.
On arrival he also had a private conversation with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.