New Zealand inks B&R cooperation deal with China, first among Western developed countries

New Zealand on Monday became the first Western developed country to sign a cooperation agreement with China on the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative.

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his New Zealand counterpart, Bill English, witnessed the signing of the memorandum of understanding, which adds to the long list of ground-breaking achievements the two countries have scored in bilateral cooperation.

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and his New Zealand counterpart, Bill English, witness the signing of a cooperation agreement on the Belt and Road (B&R) Initiative between China and New Zealand in Wellington, New Zealand, March 27, 2017.

China and New Zealand will explore the possibilities of bilateral cooperation in various fields to promote interconnectivity between the two countries, Li told a joint press conference with English.

New Zealand was the first Western developed country to conclude bilateral negotiations on China's accession to the World Trade Organization, to recognize China's full market-economy status, to sign and implement a bilateral free trade agreement with China, and to join the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank as a founding member.

The B&R Initiative, which comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and was proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient land and maritime Silk Road trade routes.

Li arrived in Wellington on Sunday for a four-day visit to the Oceanian country, the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years.

Ahead of the press conference, Li held talks with English on bilateral ties and cooperation.

During his trip, Li will also meet Governor-General Patsy Reddy and opposition Labor Party leader Andrew Little, and attend a series of business and culture exchange events.