Meeting his counterpart of New Zealand Philip Bruce Goff, Tang said cooperation between China and New Zealand is expanding in all areas as a sound base had been set up after the two countries established formal diplomatic ties 30 years ago, according to a press release by the Chinese delegation.

The two foreign ministers arrived here earlier this week to attend the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Goff told Tang that the mutually beneficial relationship between the two countries has ever been improving and the achievement is quite significant, the press release said.

China has become one of the important trading partners of New Zealand, Goff said, adding that the government of New Zealand appreciates the important role China has played in international affairs and is willing to intensify cooperation with China.

Also on Thursday, Tang met his counterpart of Papua New Guinea Sir Rabbie Namaliu. Tang spoke highly of the development of relations between the two countries.

The number of visits by leaders of the two countries to each other is increasing and trade and economic cooperation has achieved good results, Tang said. "Papua New Guinea has become the biggest trading partner for China among the islands countries in the South Pacific."

Tang affirmed that China pays great attention to develop friendly relations with Papua New Guinea and support the efforts by the Papua New Guinean government in protecting the country's sovereignty and developing its economy.

Namaliu said he agreed with Tang on his remarks on the relations between the two countries, expressing his gratitude for China's efforts in assisting Papua New Guinea to develop economy.

He promised that his country will continue to uphold the one-China policy and maintain its cooperation with China in all fields.

Earlier in the day, Tang also met here with US Secretary of State Colin Powell and the two exchanged views on international issues including that of Iraq and the Korean Peninsula.

(eastday.com October 25, 2002)