Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi praised on Monday New Zealand for being objective and prudent on regional issues, expecting the country to continue to play a constructive role in regional peace and stability.

Wang made the remarks in his meeting with his New Zealand counterpart Gerry Brownlee on the sidelines of the ASEAN foreign minsters meeting and other relevant meetings which are being held in the Philippine capital city of Manila.

Wang told Browlee that there exists a high level of political mutual trust between the two countries and that there is a huge potential for further development of bilateral relations.

Wang expressed hope that the two sides would be actively engaged in promoting upgrading negotiations of free trade agreement and at the same time enhance cooperation in the sectors of investment and technology.

Brownlee said China plays an important role in nearly all sectors in the Asia Pacific region and that he is proud of the fact that bilateral relations maintain a positive and good momentum of development.

"I am expecting an all-round development in our bilateral relations," Browlee told Wang in their talks.