New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark's just concluded visit to China will push the bilateral ties greatly, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said at a regular press conference Tuesday.

"China and New Zealand have developed a sound relationship over recent years and bilateral cooperation is expanding into larger areas," Kong said.

"We believe her visit will greatly advance bilateral ties on a new basis," he said.

Clark left Beijing Tuesday afternoon, concluding her three-day working visit to China. During the visit, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Clark and Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with her in Beijing on Monday.

The two sides had an exchange of views on bilateral ties, regional and international affairs and vowed to promote the building of a Sino-New Zealand free trade area (FTA).

Clark began her visit Sunday evening as guest of Wen.

Kong cited the three rounds of FTA talks between China and New Zealand "smooth on the whole" and "having made constant progress."

He attributed the progress to the constructive and active attitude adopted by both sides.

"We hope the two sides can reach an agreement soon through friendly talks and consultations, so as to make the economic and trade relationship achieve fast progress on a brand-new basis," he said.

China and New Zealand kicked off FTA talks on Dec. 6, 2004. The third round of talks were held from May 18 to May 20 in Wellington, New Zealand, during which the two sides held discussions on trade, service and investment issues and made positive progress in numerous areas. It was agreed that the next round of talks would be held in Beijing in late July, 2005.

Source: Xinhua