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Canadian officials praise Hu's visit to Canada

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-29 10:42

OTTAWA - Canadian officials said Monday that Chinese President Hu Jintao's latest visit to Canada has significantly boosted bilateral relations.

Dimitri Soudas, Canadian prime minister's spokesman, told Xinhua that "President Hu's state visit to Ottawa was extremely productive."

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"Prime Minister (Stephen) Harper and President Hu forged a stronger and increasingly positive relationship," the spokesman said.

"Prime Minister Harper also appreciates President Hu's contribution at the G20 summit in Toronto," he added.

President Hu paid a visit to Canada and attended the Toronto G20 summit from June 23 to June 27.

Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon said the trip was a success.

"As we mark 40 years of diplomatic relations, President Hu's visit highlighted our commitment to strengthening relations with China," Cannon told Xinhua.

"We welcomed the signing of new initiatives as a step forward in our flourishing relationship based on people-to-people links and mutual respect."

The minister said Canada was pleased that a number of Memoranda of Understanding on a broad range of areas were signed during President Hu's visit.

"This marks an even greater potential for cooperation in clean energy, cooperation in combating crime, and the facilitating of group travel from China to Canada. These agreements are a testament to our growing relationship," the minister added.

Isaac Goodine, an expert of the China Research Institute of Ottawa, told Xinhua China has reached out a hand to Canada.

Goodine, a former Senior Educator at the World Bank, has done extensive work in China on behalf of the World Bank.

"This visit is very important," Goodine said. "The time has arrived. Canada and Canadians are in a much better position to engage with China and the Chinese people. The symbolism is extremely important."

Goodine said Canadians are finally starting to realize how greatly China has changed in the past few decades.

"The two countries have always had strong links, but Canadians have been unsure how to use them," he said.