Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi Will Visit Australia And New Zealand

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin delivered a statement to the media in Beijing, China on Thursday (14/3/2024) (ANTARA/Desca Lidya Natalia)

JAKARTA - Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will make a working visit to Australia and New Zealand on March 17-21, 2024.

"At the invitation of New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Foreign Minister Wang Yi will make an official visit to New Zealand and Australia from March 17 to 21, 2024," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin when delivering a statement to the media in Beijing, China., reported by ANTARA, Thursday, March 14.

During a visit to Australia, Wang Yi is scheduled to attend the 7th China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue together with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

"This year marks the 10-year anniversary of President Xi Jinping's state visit to New Zealand and Australia as well as a 10-year anniversary of China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnerships and China-Australia," added Wang Wenbin.

Following a previous visit to New Zealand and Australia in 2017, Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit this time will initiate a high-level dialogue between China and the two countries.

"During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi and foreign ministers as well as leaders of the two countries will hold a broad and deep exchange of views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues that are of common interest," said Wang Wenbin.

China, according to Wang Wenbin, hopes to work closely with the two countries to realize a common understanding among leaders, promote strategic communication, deepen mutual trust, advance dialogue and cooperation to promote stable and sustainable growth in China-New Zealand and China-Australia comprehensive strategic relations so as to contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.

China-Australia diplomatic relations had deteriorated in 2018 when the Australian government banned Huawei from providing equipment during the launch of the 5G network. Their relationship worsened after Canberra called for an independent investigation into COVID-19 sources.

China has responded by charging several Australian commodities from the end of 2020, but China has now lifted most of the trade restrictions since the government of the Labor Party led by Prime Minister Albanese came to power 2 years ago.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to discuss consular issues, trade barriers, human rights, regional conflict prevention and security during a meeting with Foreign Minister Wang Yi.