Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (front R) and his New Zealand counterpart Bill English (front 2nd R) visit an exhibition marking the 120th anniversary of the birth of Rewi Alley, an old friend of the Chinese people, in Auckland, New Zealand, March 28, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)
Before the welcoming luncheon, Li and English visited an exhibition marking the 120th anniversary of the birth of Rewi Alley, an old friend of the Chinese people.
Alley made important contributions to the Chinese people's fight against the fascist invasion, the economic development of the new China, and friendship between China and New Zealand.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of his arrival in China and the 30th anniversary of his death.
When speaking to Patrick Alley, a nephew of Rewi Alley, after viewing pictures recalling Alley's 60 years of work and life in China, Li expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to carry forward Alley's spirit and continuously promote the friendship between the two countries.
Li, together with English, also met with members of the New Zealand China Council, thanked them for their important role in promoting exchanges and cooperation between China and New Zealand, and encouraged them to do more to that end.
The premier arrived in New Zealand on Sunday for a four-day visit to the Oceanian country, the first by a Chinese premier in 11 years.
