New Zealand Governor-General Visits Madam Soong's Former Residence

By staff report ZHOU LIN

On July 22, 2015, New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae and his wife paid a visit to the former residence of Soong Ching Ling, wife of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and late vice president and honorary president of the People's Republic of China. 

Mateparae went to a special exhibition of 23 relics that epitomized the friendship of Soong Ching Ling and New Zealanders Rewi Alley and James Munro Bertram,  who came to China at the start of the 20th century and helped with China's revolution. 

Mateparae spoke highly of Soong Ching Ling's great support and dedication to world peace and friendship among all nations. He also thanked China's Soong Ching Ling Foundation (SCLF) for the international communication and cultural exchange platform that it established for young people from both nations to interact. He hoped that the SCLF could offer more opportunities to bring youths together so as to deepen mutual understanding. 

Qi Mingqiu, executive chairman of the SCLF, agreed that the consolidation of bilateral ties depends on the next generation from both countries, since they are their nation's future.

During his five-day state visit to China, Mateparae also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae (second right) and his wife paid a visit to Soong Ching Ling's former residence in Beijing.   

New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae and his wife with English-speaking volunteers called "Modern Little Teachers."  

New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae leaves a message at Soong Ching Ling's former residence. 

New Zealand Governor-General Jerry Mateparae exchanges gifts with Executive Chairman Qi Mingqiu of China's Soong Ching Ling Foundation. Photos by Wang Peng