Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visits to China

Beijing (VNA) – Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Dec. 3 that he
believed Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to China would push
bilateral relationship to a new level, Xinhua news agency reported.

After extending a welcome to Harper, Hu said the visit, which was the first to
China since Harper took office, was of great significance.

China believed the visit would be conductive to enhancing mutual
understanding and pratical cooperation, said Hu.

Hu made the remarks when meeting with Harper on Dec. 3 afternoon.

Harper said the two countries had “good and frank relationship” and diplomatic
relations which were approaching 40 years, and enjoyed expanded trade cooperation.


“I am sure the visit will help further those relations in the future,” said
Harper.

Harper kicked of his five-day visit to China on Dec. 2, and was scheduled to
hold talks with Premier Wen Jiabao and other leaders during the four-day visit
that also will take him to Shanghai and Hong Kong .

Canadian officials have said the two sides may discuss energy, the environment,
and public health.

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , Afghanistan and upcoming, climate
talks in Copenhagen are also likely to be discussed, they said.
The official visit comes as Sino-canadian two-way trade is at a “historic
high” – 53.1 billion CAD (50.3 billion USD) last year- and bilateral
investments are “ accelerating”, Canadian officials said.-Enditem