Photo show marks historic moments in Canada-China ties

A photo exhibition kicked off in Toronto on Friday to highlight the diplomatic relations between Canada and China, offering a good chance to revisit the historic moments in the bilateral friendship of 45 years.

As an important part of a series of events celebrating the diplomatic ties between the two nations, the exhibition was initially unveiled on Jan. 27 in the Canadian capital city of Ottawa by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Ambassador to Canada Luo Zhaohui.

Addressing the opening ceremony at the Markham Civic Centre, Canadian Immigration Minister John McCallum praised the 45 years of Canadian-Chinese relations from the days of Dr. Norman Bethune, to Canada's first wheat sale to China and the present Liberal government's efforts to work with China on major global issues. "Chinese people and Canadian people are good friends," the minister said in some newly-learned Mandarin Chinese.

The 40 photos on display feature the historic visits by leaders of both countries since 1970s. The photos were provided by the Xinhua News Agency, many of which had never been shown to the public. One of the photos even captures Justin Trudeau as a child pictured with some visiting artists from China.

"It's amazing the photograph really shows us how long it has been since diplomatic relations started with China, how much has happened. It's wonderful because this exhibit allows us to remember and relive the important moments of the relationship between the two countries," Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti told Xinhua.

The organizers said the exhibition in Toronto would run over three days and hope more visitors would stop by. There are also plans to bring the exhibition to the west coast city of Vancouver. Endi