On May 11, Vice President Xie Yuan met former president of New Zealand-China Friendship Society (NZCFS), Professor William Edward Willmott and his Chinese garden delegation.

Mr.Xie extended warm welcome to the delegation visiting China. He highly praised Professor Willmott and his family for their outstanding contributions to promote friendship between China and New Zealand over many years. Willmott thanked CPAFFC for its constant support to NZCFS. During their trip, the group held discussions with relevant institutions and visited Chinese gardens in different cities, which not only helps enhance mutual friendship but also increases their understanding about China in terms of social development and environmental protection.

Willmott was born in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, he regarded China as his first hometown. In 1921, his parents came to Sichuan as Canadian missionaries. They brought western medicine to the local people, initiated the West China School of Medicine of Sichuan University and gave significant supports to the anti-Japanese war and work of communist party of China.

In Sichuan, the delegation visited West China School of Medicine of Sichuan University and exhibition of old photos themed “Chengdu,my home”, which records stories when the missionaries lived in Sichuan.

Xie stressed that CPAFFC would as always continue to promote various exchanges between China and New Zealand, and welcomed Willmott to visit China in September and attend the activities in commemorating the 70th anniversary of victory of the World Anti-Facist War.

New Zealand ambassador to China John Mckinnon attended the meeting.

The delegation also visited former residence of Rewi Alley in CPAFFC after the meeting.