Chinese President Jiang Zemin said in Shanghai Friday that China is willing to make joint efforts with New Zealand in promoting the steady and sound development of the two countries' relations of cooperation in an all-round way.

The Chinese government has always attached importance to its relations with New Zealand, Jiang told New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark, who is here to attend the Ninth Economic Leaders Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), due to open in Shanghai Saturday.

Jiang expressed hope that this year's Economic Leaders Meeting, with the concerted efforts from all member economies, will make due contributions to the world economic development.

Clark recalled her meeting with Jiang during her China visit in April, which she said left a deep impression on her.

Clark said she had read Jiang's speech at the APEC CEO Summit Thursday, in which Jiang stressed the importance of launching a new round of World Trade Organization (WTO) talks.

The prime minister said she was glad that China can join the WTO before the start of the new round of WTO talks.

She said that China has made good preparations for APEC meetings. She said she was confident Chese meetings will achieve positive results.

(Xinhua News Agency 10/19/2001)