BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong and Prime Minister of New Zealand John Key jointly attended a Maori cloak loan and handover ceremony in Beijing on Thursday.

A Maori chief had presented the cloak, which symbolized honour and glory, to the late Chinese leader Mao Zedong 56 years ago, said Liu, noting that it was a historical testimony of China-New Zealand friendship.

After 56 years, the cloak will be loaned back to New Zealand, she said.

Liu said China-New Zealand relations have become a model of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit between countries with different cultures and social systems, which are both at different stages of their development.

"I believe that bilateral relations will have a brighter future,"

said the vice premier.

Key expressed thanks to China for loaning the cloak, noting that it will make bilateral ties even closer.

The National Museum of China will loan the Maori cloak to the Museum of New Zealand from April to October.

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