Thanks Pen that does put a new spin on things.

President Hu meets Canadian PM to cement ties
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-03 21:34

BEIJING: Chinese President Hu Jintao said Thursday he believed Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper's China trip would push forward bilateral cooperation to
a new level.

In his meeting with Harper in the Great Hall of the People, Hu said Harper's
tour, which marks his first visit to China since he took office in 2006, was "of
great significance."


"China is ready to work with Canada to cement dialogues, exchanges and
cooperation in various areas, respect each other's core interests and major
concerns, and properly handle sensitive issues between both sides," said the
Chinese president.

Hu urged both sides to stick to the principle of mutual respect, equality,
mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and step
up healthy and "sustained" development of China-Canada friendly and cooperative
ties.

Harper said the two countries had "good and frank relationship" and diplomatic
relations which were approaching 40 years, and enjoyed expanded trade
cooperation.

"I am sure the visit will help further those relations in the future," he added.

Harper told Hu he had wanted to visit China since he was a boy.

Harper said his government sticks to the one-China policy and respects China's
territorial integrity, and would like to treat and boost bilateral cooperation
from a long-term perspective.

Hu called on the two countries to further expand trade, economic and technology
cooperation, and oppose protectionism of trade and investment.

He also urged to enhance coordination in international affairs and strengthen
cultural links between the two Asia-Pacific countries, especially youth
exchanges, to deepen understandings and friendship between the two peoples.

Harper agreed with Hu's proposals to enhance bilateral ties, adding his country
is to work closely with China to fight against trade protectionism, promote
economic growth, strengthen cultural exchanges and multilateral cooperation.

Canada is glad to see China's growing influence in international affairs, Harper
said, urging both countries to boost trade, energy and environmental
cooperation.

To meet with Chinese leaders to step up trade cooperation and comprehensive ties
are top on agenda of Harper's five-day official visit.

Premier Wen Jiabao expected Harper's visit to turn a new page for China-Canada
relations.

"It is not only your first visit to China, but also the first meeting between
prime ministers of China and Canada in almost five years," Wen told Harper in
their talks later on Thursday.

"It was too long a time for bilateral relations, that was why there were
comments in media that the visit was the one that should take place earlier,"
said Wen.

The Chinese premier recalled his last visit to Canada in 2003,in which he
expressed a wish that the two countries would set an example for long-lasting
friendly cooperation between countries of different systems and development
levels.

Harper agreed that five years' time was too long, calling on both sides to take
the opportunity of the 40th anniversary to further cement ties.

Harper, who kicked off his visit on Wednesday, was scheduled to meet with top
Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo on Friday. His China trip will also take him to
Shanghai and Hong Kong.

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-12/03/content_9113104_2.htm