AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong arrived in Auckland on Sunday for an three- day official visit to New Zealand with an aim to further cooperation in science and innovation as well as education.

In Auckland, She met with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Auckland Mayor Len Brown, visited Auckland University.

In Wellington, Liu and New Zealand Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce will witness a signing ceremony of a joint declaration on science and technology on Monday.

The joint declaration will underline the strong links New Zealand and China have in science and technology and the intention to boost cooperation between the two countries in this area.

During Liu will also witness the signing of an agreement cooperation in education between New Zealand and China, which is the largest source of international students to New Zealand, and have meetings with New Zealand recipients of the Chinese government Friendship Award and representatives of the New Zealand- based Chinese community.

The visit took place ahead of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and New Zealand on Dec. 22. Liu is scheduled to leave for Australia on Tuesday.