China and Canada share broad common interests and will make concerted efforts to further enhance the existing close bilateral cooperation and forward-looking ties, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his Canadian counterpart Lawrence Cannon agreed here on Monday.
Yang arrived in Ottawa on Sunday at the invitation of Cannon for a two-day official visit. Their talks on Monday touched on a broad range of bilateral and global issues of common concern.
Since last year, the two countries have had frequent reciprocal discussions and visits. They have boosted bilateral communications and cooperation in various fields such as trade, economy, culture, education, science and technology, health, and environmental protection, Yang said.
This trend of improving ties between the two countries accords with the fundamental interests of both nations and the two peoples, he said.
There are no conflicts in the fundamental interests of Canada and China, Yang said, adding that as long as both sides follow the principle of mutual respect and benefit, Sino-Canadian relations will enjoy healthy and stable development to the benefit of both peoples.
Great opportunities for closer ties lie ahead as Canada and China enter the 40th year of their diplomatic relations next year, Yang said.
He listed five specific points for the two sides to further strengthen relations in the future.
First, China and Canada should handle bilateral relations from a strategic height and long-term perspective, respect each other's interests and concerns and properly handle sensitive bilateral issues so as to guarantee a healthy and smooth development of their ties.
Second, efforts should be made to boost reciprocal high-level visits and discussions to strengthen mutual understanding and trust.
Third, the two sides should deepen their cooperation in trade, economy, resources and energy, science and technology and environmental protection while fighting protectionism in trade and investment.
Fourth, efforts should be made to strengthen communications between the legislatures, and in such fields as culture, education and sports.
Fifth, they should also deepen cooperation in dealing with the global financial crisis, U.N. reform, anti-terrorism, and climate change so as to contribute to the early recovery of the global economy as well as peace, stability and development of the world.
Cannon said recent reciprocal discussions between the two sides on health, anti-terrorism and other subjects had yielded positive results. He said Yang's visit will inject more vigor into their relations.
Canada is devoted to building frank, friendly and forward-looking relations with China based on mutual respect and understanding, Cannon said. He said Canada will seek to promote their relations through more high-level visits and closer trade links.
He also reiterated that the Canadian government will stick to the One-China policy.