On 10 December, Consul General Chen Shijie met with former Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo. The two exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Consul General Chen briefed Cocurullo on the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and recent high-level exchanges between China and New Zealand. He commended and thanked Cocurullo for the contributions he made during the mayoral tenure to promoting Whangārei’s exchanges and cooperation with China, and encouraged him to continue playing a positive role in further enhancing people-to-people friendship between the two countries.

Cocurullo said that China has a long history, vast territory, and large population, and its modernization achievements are remarkable. He noted China’s world-leading experience and technology in infrastructure, adding that “China speed” and “China quality” are truly impressive. Cocurullo expressed his willingness to continue promoting practical cooperation with China so that the outcomes of bilateral relations can better benefit the peoples of both countries.