Premier Li Keqiang and his New Zealand counterpart, Bill English, witnessed the signing of nine agreements in various fields on March 27, including trade, agriculture, e-commerce, education and environmental protection.

Both sides also signed a memorandum of cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, making New Zealand the first developed Western country to sign such an agreement with China.

Before the signing ceremony, Premier Li talked with English on bilateral relationship and concerns, and vowed to continue to promote China-New Zealand ties.

The Premier and his wife, Cheng Hong, arrived in Wellington on March 26, kicking off his official visit to the Oceania country.