Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Ottawa Wednesday evening,
starting his two-day official visit to Canada at the invitation of
Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
In a written statement upon his arrival, Wen said, "In the last
33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the bilateral
relations have made great progress."
"At present, the bilateral relations are on a good track and
face new opportunities for development," he added.
He also said, "Further deepening the China-Canada comprehensive
cooperative partnership is not only in conformity with the
fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to the
maintenance and promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the
Asia-Pacific region."
"The aim of my current visit is to further deepen mutual
understanding, expand areas of agreement, promote friendship and
comprehensive cooperative partnership," he stressed.
In the statement, the Chinese premier also expressed his belief
that with the joint efforts of both sides, his visit will push
forward the China-Canada relations.
Wen arrived here from the United States, to which he paid a
four-day visit.
(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2003)