President Hu Jintao arrived in the Canadian capital of Ottawa yesterday for a state visit aimed at promoting cooperation between the two countries.
Hu said on his arrival that he is looking forward to having in-depth exchanges with the Canadian leaders on ways to deepen cooperation in all areas, becoming acquainted with Canadians from all walks and ensuring a bright future for China-Canada ties.
"Deepening and enriching the China-Canada all-round partnership serves the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples and contributes to prosperity and development in the region and the world at large," said Hu.
Hu's visit to Canada is the first by a Chinese head of state in eight years.
China and Canada have witnessed rapid progress in the development of bilateral ties since the two countries established diplomatic relations 35 years ago, officials said.
The two countries have maintained frequent high-level contacts and achieved significant cooperative results in economic relations, science and technology, energy resources, agriculture, the environment and health.
Bilateral trade reached US$15.5 billion last year, a 55 percent increase over the previous year. In the first half of 2005, the figure was US$9 billion.
Following his visit to Canada, Hu heads to Mexico on Sunday. The Chinese president will then go on to meet with US President George W. Bush on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York next week.
(Xinhua)