Xi urges linkup on development

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Beijing, Aug 31, 2016.[Photo/Xinhua]

President says Beijing, Ottawa should boost energy, financial and technological cooperation

President Xi Jinping called for linking China's and Canada's development strategies and promoting a series of "landmark projects", while meeting on Wednesday with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The president said both countries should strengthen cooperation in fields such as energy, financial services, technological innovation and equipment manufacturing.

Leaders from both countries should maintain exchanges of views and coordination on issues of common concern, Xi added.

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 in Hangzhou.

Meanwhile, the two countries 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 Trudeau on Wednesday.

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 of ties and frequency of meetings.

"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-keeping operations, Trudeau added.

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 such as tourism and education.