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Highlights of Chinese president's visit to Canada

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-25 13:49

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao is paying a state visit to Canada before attending the G20 Summit in the country over the coming weekend.

Following are highlights of Hu's visits in the North American country:

OTTAWA -- President Hu Jintao met Canadian Governor-General Michaelle Jean to discuss the development of relations between their two countries.

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Prior to their meeting, the Chinese leader, who flew into the Canadian capital of Ottawa for a state visit, attended a welcoming ceremony held in his honor by the governor-general.

The Canadian governor-general is going to visit China from June 30 to July 5 this year. She will first visit Shanghai, where the World Expo 2010 will celebrate Canada Day on July 1, and then travel to other Chinese cities.

"I am very much looking forward to undertaking this important visit to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations with China, a friend to Canada and an important partner whose significant role we have recognized and promoted within the international community," said the governor-general in an earlier statement.

OTTAWA -- President Hu Jintao met Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper for talks on the development of China-Canada ties.

They also attended a signing ceremony of cooperation documents following their talks.

President Hu called for the all-round development of the China-Canada strategic partnership, saying a "sound, stable, positive and growing" relationship serves the interests of both countries, the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

Speaking at a banquet hosted in his honor by the Canadian prime minister, Hu said the growing China-Canada relationship has brought concrete benefits to the two peoples and contributed significantly to peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

Though national conditions of China and Canada differ, there exists no conflict of fundamental interests between the two countries, and their common interests far outweigh their differences, Hu said.

"As long as we both adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and seeking common ground while reserving differences, as long as we keep to the right direction of bilateral relations, we will make our relationship a model for relations between countries different in social systems and level and model of development," he said.

OTTAWA -- President Hu Jintao expressed his readiness to work with Canada to further advance bilateral ties in a healthy and stable way.

The Chinese visitor made the remarks as he met with Michael Ignatieff, head of the Canadian Liberal Party, an opposition party in the country. He pointed out that since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago, they have made huge progress in bilateral relations.

Hu added that under the current international situation that is undergoing profound changes, the two countries share broad common interests and foundation for cooperation in such areas as promoting their own economic growths and the world economy, pushing for resolution of regional hotspot issues and addressing global challenges.

OTTAWA -- Hu Jintao also met with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

He thanked Chretien for his contribution toward the development of China-Canada relations. He expressed the hope that Chretien will continue to work to advance bilateral links and make fresh contribution to cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

Chretien said he was delighted to see the resumption and expansion of bilateral links. He expressed willingness to continue work for bilateral cooperation in all fields.