China, Canada to set up key mechanism for dialogue

Premier Li Keqiang meets and holds talks with his visiting Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in Beijing, Aug 31, 2016. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China and Canada will establish an annual dialogue between both heads of government to boost bilateral relations and exchanges of views on international affairs, Premier Li Keqiang said while meeting with the visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday.

Trudeau is on an eight-day visit to China, which is Canada's second-largest trading partner, and he will attend the G20 Leaders' Summit on Sunday and Monday in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.

Both sides agreed to enhance high-level engagement, exchanges and communication based on mutual respect and equality, Li said.

Both countries have great potential for cooperation, especially in high-tech and agricultural fields, Li said. "We agreed to conduct feasibility research for a free trade zone as soon as possible and … safeguard trade liberalization and investment facilitation," he added.

Trudeau said, "Renewing our relationship with China is extremely important for Canada." He also vowed to boost the "stability and regularity" of bilateral relations.

Premier Li Keqiang meets and holds talks with his visiting Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in Beijing, Aug 31, 2016. [Photo/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"China will play a central role in shaping the global landscape in the years to come, and it's in the best of our countries' interest to develop a stronger partnership," Trudeau said.

He said both countries agreed to expand trade and investments in energy, clean technology and agriculture as well as improve people-to-people ties such as tourism and cultural exchanges. Both sides will cooperate in climate change, environmental conservation, judicial training, gender equality and support for the UN peace operations, Trudeau added.

After their meeting, a number of agreements were signed in fields such as education and tourism.

Ruan Zongze, executive vice-president of the China Institute of International Studies, said Trudeau's trip can boost trade and economic cooperation, as well as intensive people-to-people exchanges in forms of tourism and education.