Ambassador for the People’s Republic of China to New Zealand and the Cook Islands, Wang Xiaolong, will visit Rarotonga this week to celebrate the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Mark Brown, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs, said he looked forward to hosting Ambassador Wang and celebrating 25 years cooperation.

“As we reflect on 25 years of co-operation with the People’s Republic of China, there is much to celebrate,” said Prime Minister Brown.

“The grants and concessional loan facilities availed by the People’s Republic of China over the years has availed key public infrastructure, namely the Courthouse, Police Headquarters, the Ministry of Education, the multi-sports complex in Nikao, and the Apii Nikao rebuild. I look to our discussions next week focusing on a forward bilateral cooperation agenda including continued collaboration in the regional and multilateral for the years ahead.”

Ambassador Wang was appointed Envoy to the Cook Islands earlier this year, having previously served as Director-General of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Economic Affairs, and served in China’s Foreign Ministry as Special Envoy for the People's Republic of China on G20 affairs. He has also served as Ambassador to Mongolia and Singapore.

Beyond bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Brown, the Ambassador will also meet with senior government officials and representatives of the business community and civil society including during a reception he will host to mark the 25th anniversary next week.

In addition, a photo exhibition showcasing 25 years of co-operation will be on display and a film will screen at the Empire Theatre from 5pm on Wednesday, 30 November.

• MFAI