Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta departs for China tomorrow where she will meet her new counterpart, State Councillor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang.
The pair will meet in Beijing to discuss a range of subjects including trade and environmental issues.
Mahuta says the visit will strengthen New Zealand's relations with China and provide the opportunity for further cooperation between the two countries.
“China is integral to New Zealand’s economic recovery but our relationship is far broader - spanning cultural, educational and sporting links."
During her two days in Bejing, she will also meet with a range of stakeholders that play an essential part in the relationship between both countries.
As well as engaging with business kingpins, she will hold a breakfast roundtable with female leaders.
Mahuta says she will be advocating for New Zealand's interests and values, including how we approach human rights.
The Minister says she will also raise concerns about regional and national security, like that of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
“This visit provides an opportunity to have a constructive discussion across a broad range of areas - both where our interests and values align, like that of climate change, and where they differ.”
