President Xi lauds Canada's application to AIIB

Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau attends a press conference in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 31, 2016. Canada has decided to apply for the membership of the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Morneau said. [Photo/Xinhua]

President Xi Jinping welcomed Canada's application to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on Wednesday and vowed to seek agreement on a group of landmark projects.

Xi made the remarks when meeting visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. Trudeau is on an official visit to China and will attend the G20 summit scheduled to be held in Hangzhou on Sept 4 and 5.

"China welcomes Canada's application to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with the Canadian side," Xi said.

Xi told Trudeau leaders of the two countries can keep communication smooth on issues of common concern through various ways.

He suggested the two partners strengthen cooperation in fields including resources, finance and technological innovation and "seek to prompt a batch of landmark projects".

The two countries should respect development paths picked by each other, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and properly handle disputes in a constructive way, Xi added.

Trudeau said bilateral relations have returned to being robust and stable.  

Canada respects the huge achievements made by China, and will support China to successfully host the G20 summit, he said.