Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) shakes hands with New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Elizabeth Clark during their meeting in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, May 30, 2005. (Xinhua photo)

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and visiting New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark agreed to speed up talks on reaching a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries during their meeting in Beijing on Monday.

Wen told Clark, who is here on a three-day working visit, that China will enhance political trust and positively and prudently push forward the FTA talks along with New Zealand in line with mutual-respect, equality and mutual benefits.

China and New Zealand started FTA talks last December, seven months after New Zealand recognized China's full market economy status. Up to now, three round of talks have been held.

"It's China and New Zealand's common need to carry out economic, trade and technology cooperation, which has good prospects because our two economies are compatible with the other," Wen said.

Wen hailed Sino-New Zealand ties, saying both are important countries in Asia-Pacific region. The two countries share similar or identical views on many regional and international issues and share extensive common interests in safeguarding regional peace and promoting development, he said.

China will further enhance cooperation with New Zealand on agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, energy, and resource exploration and development, and expand exchanges on education and culture. Meanwhile, the two countries should also enhance consultation and coordination on major regional and international issues, Wen said.

The Chinese premier appreciated New Zealand's adherence to one- China policy and opposition against the "Taiwan independence".

Clark said the relations between New Zealand and China are " comprehensive and cooperative" with sound cooperation in trade and economy, education, science and technology.

She told Wen that New Zealand hopes both countries can reach a quality agreement on free trade at an early date.

New Zealand also hopes to enhance bilateral cooperation in cultural area with China and discusses to sign a cooperative pact in the area for the better understanding and friendship between the two peoples, according to diplomatic sources.

Source: Xinhua