Xi: China, Canada should explore new ideas to improve bilateral ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China and Canada should explore new ideas and take active measures to achieve more substantial progress in bilateral ties.

Xi made the remarks at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing during talks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is on his official visit to China from Sunday to Thursday.

Xi pointed out that the two countries need to expand practical cooperation and tap the potential for cooperation, to cultivate more cooperative highlights in areas including energy, technology innovation, air transport, finance service, modern agriculture and so on.

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, December 5, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"China will continue to support influential Chinese enterprises to invest in Canada, and welcome Canadian companies to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative," Xi noted.

The two countries should also enhance cooperation and exchanges in education, culture, tourism and sports, added the president.

"China and Canada will ensure the success of China-Canada Year of Tourism in 2018, and Beijing is willing to learn from Ottawa in hosting the 2022 Winter Olympic Games," said Xi.

The two sides also need to boost cooperation and coordination under multilateral mechanisms and in important areas including climate change, stressed the president.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, December 5, 2017. /Reuters Photo‍

Trudeau, for his part, said he agreed with Xi's evaluation about Canada-China ties. "Bilateral cooperation has developed in strong momentum in recent years, which brought practical benefits to the two peoples and sent positive messages to the international community."

"Canada is committed to deepen its relationship with China on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust, enhance cooperation in trade, cultural exchanges and so on, and maintain close contact on major global and regional issues," said Trudeau.

Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, also met the visiting Canadian prime minister at the Great Hall of the People on the same day.