Under the new situation, growing common interests have made relations between the two countries even more important, he said.

China is ready to work with Canada to develop bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, to strengthen exchanges and mutual trust, and thus continuously advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Kinsella and Milliken welcomed Hu's visit, saying the visit will help boost the Canada-China strategic partnership. They congratulated China on its remarkable achievements and appreciated China's efforts to eliminate poverty, increase employment and maintain economic growth.

Emphasizing that there are no obstacles to further expanding bilateral links, they expressed the hope to maintain this momentum in the growth of Canada-China relations by increasing trade and people-to-people exchanges, expanding practical cooperation on tourism and agriculture and exploring the ways to address such issues as food security.

The two parliamentary leaders also stressed that the Canadian legislature strongly supports parliamentary diplomacy and is ready to step up communication with the NPC.

During his stay in Ottawa, Hu also held separate talks with Governor-General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper and met with Michael Ignatieff, leader of the Canadian Liberal Party, and former Prime Minister Jean Chretien.