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Hu meets Canadian governor-general on ties

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-24 23:02

OTTAWA - Visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao met Canadian Governor-General Michaelle Jean in Ottawa on Thursday to discuss the development of relations between their two countries.

Prior to their meeting, the Chinese leader, who flew into the Canadian capital of Ottawa Wednesday for a state visit, attended a welcoming ceremony held in his honor by the governor-general.

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Later in the day, the Chinese leader is expected to meet Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to exchange views with him on the development of China-Canada relations and major world and regional issues of mutual interest, Chinese diplomats said.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Canada. China and Canada are both influential countries in the Asia-Pacific region, sharing broad common interests and having broad prospects for cooperation.

China is now Canada's second largest trading partner, while Canada is China's 13th. In 2009, two-way trade was valued at $29.7 billion.

In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade stood at $10.2 billion, a 19 percent increase over the corresponding period of last year.

The Canadian governor-general is going to visit China from June 30 to July 5 this year. She will first visit Shanghai, where the Expo 2010 will celebrate Canada Day on July 1, and then travel to other Chinese cities.

"I am very much looking forward to undertaking this important visit to mark 40 years of diplomatic relations with China, a friend to Canada and an important partner whose significant role we have recognized and promoted within the international community," said the governor-general in a statement earlier this month.

"What we have accomplished together over the last four decades is remarkable and I am certain the future will be just as promising," she said.

Following his visit, President Hu will attend this weekend's G-20 Toronto summit, which is aimed at securing the world economic recovery and addressing the economic challenges and risks.

Hu has attended all previous G-20 summits -- the Washington summit in November 2008, the London summit in April 2009 and the Pittsburgh summit last September.