Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao raised a three-point proposal in
Beijing Wednesday on promoting friendly cooperation between
China and Canada.
In talks with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien,
Wen proposed keeping the momentum of frequent exchanges of
high-level visits and enhancing the existing consultation mechanism
in political, economic and other fields, so as to increase mutual
understanding and mutual political trust.
He suggested the two sides should further tap the potential to
strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy, environmental
protection, telecommunications, insurance and agriculture.
The two sides should also strengthen consultation and
coordination in international and regional organizations, so as to
help safeguard world peace and promote common development, Wen
said.
Chretien agreed with the premier's proposal, expressing the hope
that the bilateral trade volume would double in seven years.
Chretien said Canada expected to enhance cooperation with
Chinain such fields as energy, insurance, environment protection
and agriculture.
Canada welcomed more Chinese people to travel or pursue their
education, said the prime minister.
Both leaders hailed the expansion of cooperation in various
fields.
Wen said Sino-Canadian relations had enjoyed a sound development
momentum in the past decade and political relations had become
increasingly closer. Bilateral trade volume had registered a 300
percent increase in the period, he said.
Friendly cooperation in various fields had brought obvious
benefits to both countries and their people, he said.
Despite differences in the cultural traditions, historical
backgrounds and social systems, the two countries had friendly
cooperation in various fields, he said.
As long as they respected each other, treated other equally and
sought common ground while reserving differences, relations were
sure to develop steadily, Wen said.
The consensus on building an all-around cooperative partnership
had laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of ties
in the new century, Wen said.
Chretien expressed satisfaction over the development of
cooperation in various fields and the increasing friendship between
the two peoples.
The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional
issues.
After the talks, the two leaders attended a ceremony for the
signing of three cooperation agreements on environment protection,
academic exchanges, maternity and child care and sustainable
agricultural development.
Prior to the talks, Wen hosted a welcoming ceremony in honor of
Chretien, who arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a four-day official
visit as Wen's guest.
(Xinhua News Agency October 22, 2003)