Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 18, 2015. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei) 

Chinese President Xi Jinping and New Zealand Prime Minister John Key met here Wednesday and pledged to further promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between their countries.

The development of China-New Zealand relations is enjoying sound momentum now, noted Xi, who and Key are both in Manila for the 23rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

The Chinese leader pointed out that it is in line with the common interests of both countries and conducive to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region that China and New Zealand deepen their collaboration.

China, Xi said, is willing to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with New Zealand so as to further enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

The two countries, he proposed, should maintain close exchanges, give full play to their institutionalized dialogues in various areas, and expand bilateral trade and cooperation in agriculture and animal husbandry.

On top of that, they should explore for new cooperation opportunities in such areas as food safety, energy conservation, environmental protection, information technology, bio-medicine and infrastructure, Xi added.

The Chinese president also called on the two sides to boost people-to-people exchanges in culture and sports and at sub-national levels, and deepen cooperation in law enforcement and defense.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (4th R) meets with New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key (3rd L) in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 18, 2015. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

China, he added, also stands ready to enhance communication and coordination with New Zealand within such multilateral frameworks as the United Nations, APEC, the East Asia Summit and the Pacific Islands Forum and on such issues as climate change and regional economic integration, so as to jointly promote regional stability and development.

In addition, Xi suggested that the two countries strengthen cooperation on Antarctic affairs.

For his part, Key said he is delighted to see the sound development of New Zealand-China ties and the constant deepening of bilateral cooperation.

New Zealand is willing to enhance cooperation with China in economy, trade, agriculture and animal husbandry, he said, adding that his country also welcomes more investment by Chinese enterprises.

Recalling that New Zealand decided to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank at a very early date, Key said Wellington made the decision because the undertaking serves the interests both of his country and of the region.

Xi paid a state visit to New Zealand in November 2014, during which the two countries lifted bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae paid a state visit to China in July 2015.