News Flash
China: Canada to be new approved tourist destination
By Zhao Chunzhe (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-12-04 15:25
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The move means it'll now be easier for Chinese tourists to visit Canada.
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China's Premier Wen Jiabao toasts (R) with Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing December 3, 2009. [Agencies] |
"China is looking forward to Canada's multiple trade strategy and its expansion of exports to China, which will pave the way for the Investment Protection Agreement and provide a legal protection of mutual investment," Wen said.
Wen said Sino-Canadian relations have been through hard times in recent years, which was bad for both sides. "Canada and China have no major disparities. As long as we acknowledge the fundamental principles of respecting each other's core interests and major concerns and don't interfere in each other's internal affairs, the Sino-Canadian relations will see a bright future," Wen was quoted as saying.
The Canadian side reiterated its consistent and long-standing one-China policy and insisted on the importance of handling disparities in an upright and friendly way. The country underlined its efforts to regard China as an important country in its "Asia-Pacific Portal Program" and vowed to increase dialogue and interactions in economic, political and other areas. Harper restated the country's anti-protectionism grounds and was looking forward to seal the Investment Protection Agreement with China.
Wen said China supported the "Asia-Pacific Portal Program" and would cooperate with Canada in the construction of ports, railways, roads and telecom.
Wen and Harper also exchanged ideas on topics including the Copenhagen Climate Conference, economic cooperation among 20-Group nations and Doha Round negotiations. They attended the signing ceremony of agreements on climate change, mineral resources, culture and agricultural education following the meeting.
