国内英语新闻:China, New Zealand vow to join hands to cope with financial crisis

BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China and New Zealand should work together to deal with the international financial crisis, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

"This would benefit both countries and the region as well," Wen told visiting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 15, 2009.

    Wen said Sino-New Zealand relations was "at its best in history." adding to the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed last October has greatly boosted bilateral trade and economic cooperation and brought about concrete benefits to the two peoples.

    Wen proposed the two countries continue high-level exchanges of visits to improve political trust.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (front L1) welcomes visiting New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key (front L2) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 15, 2009

He urged the two sides to use the advantage of the FTA to expand cooperation in the areas as agriculture, forestry, stock raising, environmental protection, clean energy and food safety.

    Wen also called upon the two countries to promote personnel exchanges and coordination in the international organizations.

    Key said New Zealand remains committed to developing relations with China and would take the chance of implementing the FTA to expand bilateral cooperation in agriculture, stock raising and science and technology.

    The prime minister said New Zealand and China should stand firmly against trade and investment protectionism and advance the Doha round of negotiations.

    After the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements on cooperation in information and tourism.

    Key is to head to south China's Hainan Province for the 2009 meeting of the Bo'ao Forum for Asia (BFA) from April 17 to 19.