20090511/加拿大外长坎农访问中国

加拿大外长坎农访问中国，首日拜会中国外交部长杨洁篪，双方对全球经济危机、反恐、气候环境及防止传染病等议题交换了意见。杨洁篪同时代表中国政府向加拿大总理哈珀发出访华邀请，希望他能在适当的时候访问中国。

Minister Cannon in China / Le ministre Cannon en Chine

On May 11, 2009 in Beijing, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon had a constructive and wide-ranging meeting with his counterpart, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. The Ministers discussed a range of issues, including the global economic downturn, terrorism, climate change and emerging infectious diseases. They committed to working more closely together in addressing those pressing challenges.

Noting that May 12 will be the one year anniversary of the Sichuan earthquake, Minister Cannon expressed his sympathy for the loss of life in the tragic event. He noted that Canada wants a frank, friendly and forward looking relationship with China, and that the upcoming 40th anniversary of bilateral relations offered an excellent opportunity to highlight Sino-Canadian ties. Minister Yang expressed China’s appreciation for Canada’s assistance and support and recalled the extraordinary rescue efforts driven the Government.

The Ministers exchanged views on trade, investment, human rights, the Arctic, and Afghanistan. They agreed that Canada-China cooperation holds tremendous potential and complementarities, and committed to increasing efforts to advance common interests. Minister Yang also reiterated China’s invitation to Prime Minister Harper to visit China at a mutually convenient time.

Minister Cannon also paid a courtesy call to Vice-President Xi Jinping. The meeting was an opportunity for Mr. Cannon and Mr. Xi to discuss advancing the Canada-China relationship. Both expressed the hope that this relationship reach its full potential as the two countries advance common interests and work together in enhancing global stability and prosperity.

Vice President Xi and Minister Cannon highlighted the upcoming opportunities that represent the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 for enhancing people-to-people ties.
The also noted the importance of Canada-China cooperation in responding to the global economic crisis, and exchanged views on China’s large fiscal packages and policy changes aimed at boosting domestic economic growth. Both stressed the importance of fighting protectionism.

Attached pictures:

Beijing May 11th:

– Minister Cannon meets with Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China

– Minister Cannon meets with Xi Jinping , Vice-President of the People’s Republic of China

Tomorrow, Minister Cannon is expected to deliver a speech at the China Foreign Affairs University and meet with the business community, before travelling to Shanghai. I will be in touch tomorrow.

NEW DEMOCRAT HONOURED TO BE IN CHINA AS OFFICIAL MP

OTTAWA – New Democrat MP Olivia Chow (Trinity-Spadina) said she’s honoured that be on a trade mission to China and Japan, with Lawrence Cannon, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as an official Member of Parliament.

In talks with the Zheng Silin, the Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress, Chow said they discussed the Canada-China friendship, focusing on the joint benefits for each country.

“We also discussed the possibility of speeding up the visa application process for temporary, students and visitors,” said Chow. “We need to explore the appeal process so families and spouses can be reunited faster.”

The issue of migrant workers is of great concern, with an approximate 200 million migrants in China, making up 40% of urban labour, with their labour rights violated by employers.

Chow toured the Beijing Legal Aid Centre for Migrant Workers, an agency funded by the Canadian International Development Agency since 2003, and founded and run by Lihua Tong. It currently has 100 lawyers on staff and 8,000 who work pro-bono.

“We can learn a lot from the Chinese model to protect migrant workers,” said Chow. “I would love to see an exchange program between Canadian and Chinese lawyers to help the vulnerable migrant workers.”

Note: two photos attached

-Canada Visa Application Centre, Beijing

Zheng Silin, Vice-Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee (centre) with Liberal Bob Rae (left) and New Democrat Olivia Chow (right)