Trevor Mallard, the speaker of New Zealand's House of Representatives, met with a delegation from China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF) led by Wang Jiarui, chairman of the Foundation. They met in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand on March 28, 2019. 

Wang Jiarui first expressed deep condolences to the victims of the shooting in Christchurch, and offered heartfelt support for the injured and to the families of the victims.

Wang Jiarui said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, China-New Zealand relations have been at the forefront of China's relations with developed countries in the Western world. Maintaining and developing China-New Zealand relations is in line with the expectations of the two peoples.

"Soong Ching Ling, Rewi Alley and other predecessors have made great contributions in establishing the China-New Zealand friendship," said Wang. He added that the delegation will follow in Rewi Alley's footsteps, and will inherit and enhance the friendship between the two peoples.

"Young people are the future of the world. The CSCLF is willing to strengthen exchanges with institutions and the people of New Zealand, especially to carry out youth exchanges, promote people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding, and jointly push forward China-New Zealand relations in the new era," Wang said.

Mallard welcomed Wang Jiarui's visit to the New Zealand Parliament and said that the visit and its timing shows the Chinese people's firm support for the people of New Zealand as the country is immersed in the grief of the Christchurch terrorist attack.

Recalling his experience with China, Mallard said that good China-New Zealand relations are in the interest of New Zealand. 

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is set to pay an official visit to China for the first time since taking office. Mallard believes that the two sides will further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the fields of trade, culture and education.

Mallard further praised the CSCLF's effort in promoting international friendship and developing public welfare undertakings, especially in the field of youth exchanges. He said New Zealand also attaches great importance to social welfare and youth projects and is willing to promote exchanges and cooperation between New Zealand and the CSCLF, so as to jointly promote the development of China-New Zealand relations.

China's Ambassador to New Zealand, Wu Xi and Vice Chairman of the CSCLF, Yu Qun also attended the meeting.

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