Hu calls for promotion of China-Canada strategic partnership
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The proposals include expanding bilateral trade; promoting two-way investment; deepening cooperation on energy and resources; exploring new areas of cooperation and joining hands in opposing all forms of protectionism.
In regard to the global financial crisis, Hu said that as a responsible member of the international community, China would continue to actively participate in international cooperation, appropriately handle risks and challenges and make greater contribution to the full recovery of the world economy.
China will maintain close coordination and cooperation with Canada and other parties to help bring about positive and practical outcomes at the upcoming fourth G20 summit, he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Harper said in his speech that the strategic partnership between Canada and China had been growing constantly since President Hu's visit to Ottawa in 2005. Bilateral cooperation in all fields has been strengthened and cooperation agreements have been signed in the areas of trade, tourism, environmental protection, law enforcement, energy and others. China has now become Canada's second largest trading partner.
The prime minister said Canada and China both play an important role in promoting the development of each other as well as the global economic growth. The two countries have great potential in economic cooperation, especially in the sectors of resources and energy, notably in the development of clean energy.
The official signing of the agreement on designating Canada as the destination of overseas travel by the Chinese citizens indicated a new starting point in bilateral relations, he said.
Canada is committed to working together with China to build stronger and closer ties, the prime minister concluded.
Earlier in the day, Hu and Harper held talks and reached important consensus on the development of bilateral links and on major global and regional issues of common concern.
After the talks, Hu and Harper attended the signing ceremony of cooperation documents between the two countries, including the agreement on designating Canada as the destination of overseas travel by the Chinese citizens.
Hu, who flew to Ottawa Wednesday for a three-day state visit, also met with Governor General Michaelle Jean earlier Thursday.
Following his visit, the Chinese president will attend a G20 summit in Toronto, which is aimed at securing the world economic recovery and addressing the economic challenges and risks.
