On June 24, 2010, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Canadian Governor-General Michaelle Jean in Ottawa.
Hu pointed out that despite the distance keeping the two countries apart, both peoples enjoy a long history of friendly exchanges. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada in October 1970 opened up a new chapter for bilateral relations. Over the past four decades, both sides have maintained frequent exchanges at high and other levels and carried out cooperation in all areas. The trade volume has increased by about 200 times and China has become the second biggest trade partner of Canada. Both peoples have kept closer their exchanges, coordinated closely in coping with the global financial crisis and climate change and cooperated well on such issues as the reform of the UN, counter-terrorism and public health and security. The development of China-Canada relations not only brings about tangible benefits to both peoples, but also is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.
The China-Canada relations are facing important opportunities for development, Hu said. China always attaches importance to ties with Canada and is ready to work with Canada to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and continue to enhance political mutual trust, Hu said. China will work with Canada to give full play to the complementarity of the two countries, and expand cooperation in a wide range of areas, including economy, trade, energy, natural resources, science, technology, education, culture and health, he said. He also urged both sides to enhance coordination and cooperation in major international and regional issues and push forward China-Canada strategic partnership. Hu believed that with the joint efforts of both sides, bilateral relations will surely have a brighter future.
Jean said it is of special significance that President Hu Jintao pays a state visit to Canada on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. She was glad to attend the Canadian National Pavilion Day of the Shanghai World Expo soon. The exchanges of visits by leaders of the two countries have played an important role in promoting bilateral exchanges and cooperation. Canada is one of the first western countries to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China and deems China its friend and important partner. Over the past four decades, bilateral relations have made great progress, which Canada is proud of. China has become Canada's second largest trading partner and third largest export market and both countries have worked closely in trade, investment, environmental protection, health, culture and multilateral areas with the friendship between both peoples ever deepening. Canada admires the achievements made by China in successfully coping with the global financial crisis and maintaining economic growth, she added.
Prior to the meeting, President Hu attended the welcome ceremony held by Governor-General Michaelle Jean.
On the noon of the same day, Hu also attended a welcome banquet hosted by Governor-General Michaelle Jean and her husband.
Wang Qishan, Ling Jihua, Wang Huning, Dai Bingguo and other officials attended the above activities.