(OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper stands on stage with Lan Lijun, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Canada, at an event celebrating the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China. PMO photo by Deb Ransom)
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER MARKS 40th ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today participated in a conference in Ottawa to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.
In his speech, Prime Minister Harper spoke of the dynamic and expanding relationship between the two countries, while highlighting a number of bilateral accomplishments in the past year. Two significant trade related accomplishments include staged access for Canadian beef to the Chinese market and the granting of Approved Destination Status to Canada. Other accomplishments include new agreements on climate change, mineral resources, cultural and agricultural education, tourism, environmental protection, energy conservation and law enforcement.
“Today’s anniversary reminds us of our shared heritage, and our common potential,” said Prime Minister Harper. “It is an opportunity to celebrate not only 40 years of diplomatic relations, but also a growing partnership and a bright future for our two countries.”
The Prime Minister noted how Canada’s energy resources, favourable business climate, geographic proximity and recent billion dollar investment in Pacific coast infrastructure make it an ideal trading and commercial partner for China.
“As the centre of gravity of the world economy swings towards the Pacific, we are in a unique position to cooperate for our mutual benefit,” said the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Harper added that the recent opening of the Chinatown Gateway in Ottawa is a fitting tribute to the friendship and shared history between the two countries.
“The friendship between China and Canada has also grown in recent years in the context of a frank and respectful dialogue on the universal principles of human rights and the rule of law,” continued the Prime Minister.
中国加拿大两国总理互致贺电庆祝两国建交40周年
新华社北京１０月１３日电 国务院总理温家宝与加拿大总理斯蒂芬·哈珀１３日互致贺电，热烈庆祝两国建交４０周年。
温家宝在贺电中说，１９７０年１０月１３日中加建立外交关系，揭开了两国关系的新篇章。４０年来，在双方共同努力下，中加关系取得了历史性发展。双方高层和各级别交往频繁，在经贸、能源资源、科教文卫、环保、旅游等广泛领域的合作成果丰硕，并就一系列重大国际和地区问题进行了良好的沟通和协调。今年６月胡锦涛主席对加拿大成功的国事访问以及去年１２月哈珀总理访华，有力地推动了两国关系进一步向前发展。
温家宝说，中加两国都是世界上有重要影响的国家。一个长期稳定发展的中加关系不仅符合两国人民的愿望，也有利于亚太地区和世界的和平、稳定、繁荣。当前，两国关系面临重要发展机遇。中方愿与加方一道，遵循《中加联合声明》精神，在新的历史起点上推动两国关系不断向前发展，更好地造福两国人民。
斯蒂芬·哈珀在贺电中说，加中友谊建立在平等和相互尊重的基础之上。今天，我们两个充满活力的国家之间的关系正蓬勃发展，两国贸易和人民往来更加密切，并就广泛问题进行了良好合作。在两国步入伙伴关系的新阶段之际，我们都期望进一步加强加中关系，以便让两国人民能继续从双方合作中获得切实利益。
外交部长杨洁篪也与加拿大外长劳伦斯·坎农互致了贺电。
