New Zealand a good friend: Chinese president

Wellington, Nov 20 (IANS) Chinese President Xi Jinping met New Zealand Governor General Jerry Mateparae on Thursday and said the two countries were "good friends".

"New Zealand are good friends and the two countries have carried out comprehensive exchanges and cooperation based on mutual respect and benefit," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.

On his part, Mateparae said that since this is Xi’s third visit to the country, he should be regarded as a family member.

The governor general also hoped the two countries will strengthen collaboration, expand people-to-people exchanges and deepen their friendship.

Xi arrived here earlier in the day from Auckland, where he kicked off his state visit to New Zealand on Wednesday.

Earlier, during his three-nation South Pacific tour, he attended the G20 summit in the Australian city of Brisbane and paid a state visit to Australia.