China, Canada aim to deepen cooperation

China is ready to enhance high level exchanges with Canada and deepen cooperation with the country in a number of fields with complementary potential, Premier Li Keqiang said on Thursday.

Li made the remarks at a meeting with Governor General of Canada David Johnston in Beijing. He said China is willing to deepen cooperation with Canada in a number of sectors including energy minerals, infrastructure, scientific innovation, education, sports and small and medium-sized businesses as well as promote negotiations on free trade. He said China is ready to send supportive signals on promoting free trade with Canada, calling for world economic recovery.

China will firmly fulfill its commitment under the Paris Climate Change Agreement and implement relative measures, fulfilling China's responsibility in tackling climate change as a major developing nation, Premier Li stressed, adding that China is also willing to strengthen cooperation with Canada in clean energy.

Johnston recalled his several visits to China since China's reform and opening-up in the 1980s, speaking highly of China's achievements since that time. He said Canada is willing to deepen high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation with China in areas of scientific innovation, education, tackling climate change, and especially in holding the Canada-China Tourism Year in 2018. He said Canada is also ready to lend support for China's 2022 Winter Olympic Games.