Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern
Prime Minister
MP for Mt Albert
7 September 2018
PĀNUI PĀPĀHO
MEDIA STATEMENT
Party Secretary of Guangdong Province Li Xi, who is travelling here as a Guest of the New Zealand Government, will be
welcomed by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday. Mr Li is also a member of the national-level Politburo.
“New Zealand’s relationship with China has grown rapidly during the last decade; it covers a wide range of issues,
including trade, tourism, scientific, economic and cultural connections,” says Jacinda Ardern.
“I have met both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang at regional meetings and I am planning to visit China later
this year. Party Secretary Li’s visit reaffirms that the bilateral relationship between New Zealand and China is in good
shape.
“New Zealand also has special ties to Guangdong province. It was from Guangdong that the first Chinese settlers arrived
in New Zealand, as far back as the 1860s. Guangdong is now an economic powerhouse and we continue to enjoy extensive
business, trade, education, and tourism links,” says Jacinda Ardern.
Party Secretary Li’s 3-day visit will include a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and a dinner hosted by the
Deputy Prime Minister. The Minister of Tourism, the Minister of Trade and Export Growth, and the Minister of Research,
Science and Innovation will also meet with Secretary Li.
ends