Asia-Pacific

Hu: China stands ready to work with Canada

By Wu Jiao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-06-24 06:45

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Ottawa late Wednesday to kick off his three-day state visit to Canada, which will be the first by the Chinese president since Canadian Prime Minister Harper and his Conservative party took power in 2006.

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In a written Statement delivered upon arrival, Hu said that "under the current international situation, China and Canada share broad common interests and vast potential for cooperation in many areas, ranging from developing individual economies and promoting world economic growth to helping to resolve regional hotspot issues and jointly meeting the various global challenges".

Hu said that China always values China-Canada relations.

"During this visit, I look forward to extensive meetings and in-depth discussions with Canadian leaders and friends from all sectors of Canadian society to explore with them effective ways to advance our strategic cooperation."

According to Hu, China stands ready to work with Canada and use the 40th anniversary of the two countries diplomatic ties as an opportunity to further expand exchanges and cooperation in various fields, push forward the China-Canada strategic partnership and bring even more benefits to the people of two countries and around the world.

Hu is to meet Governor General Michaelle Jean tonight and meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Thursday to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest.