Canadian PM: Canada, China seeking stronger ties

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised here Wednesday to engage very positively with China to enhance a strong and growing relationship with China in the coming years.

Trudeau made the remarks at a special reception and photo exhibition to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, which is co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Canada and Canada's Department of Global Affairs.

The event was attended by some 400 guests from political, business and academic circles as well as Chinese communities from Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal.

Trudeau also praised China for "playing a strong role in environmental protection."

Canadian Minister of Global Affairs Stephane Dion praised the 45 years of Canadian-Chinese bilateral relations from the days of Dr. Norman Bethune, to Canada's first wheat sale to China, to the present Liberal government's efforts to work with China on climate change, sustainable development and "an inclusive and constructive cooperation."

Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaohui hailed the arrival of a "new era of cooperation" between China and Canada which he said will further strengthen the major pillars of the bilateral relationship, including closer leadership ties, economic cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Luo also called for an early realization of a China-Canada free trade agreement.

The event featured an exhibition of 40 photos of historic significance portraying key milestones in the development of China-Canada ties, including two-way visits by various national leaders of the two countries over the past 45 years.

The photo show is scheduled to be staged in Toronto in February. Endi