On the afternoon of December 3, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said under the current complex and changing international situation, the two countries, both in the Asia-Pacific region, share broad common interests and huge cooperation potential not only in addressing the global financial crisis and promoting regional and world economic growth but also in pushing for the resolution of regional hotspot issues and safeguarding regional and world peace and stability. Hu said to develop healthy and stable China-Canada ties accorded with fundamental interests of the two nations and the two peoples, and was of important significance to promoting peace, stability and development of the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. China is ready to work with Canada to enhance dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in all areas and at all levels from a strategic and long-term perspective and based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. Hu urged both sides to respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and properly handle sensitive issues between them, in a bid to push for healthy, stable and sustained development of China-Canada friendly cooperative relations.

Hu said China-Canada pragmatic cooperation is very effective and enjoys broad prospects. Both sides should bring into full play their respective advantages, tap cooperation potential, further expand economic, trade and technological cooperation and jointly oppose trade and investment protectionism, in a bid to push forward bilateral trade ties. Both sides should further expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, especially those among the youth to further deepen mutual understanding and friendship between both peoples. As China and Canada are both members of such multilateral mechanisms as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Group of 20 and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, they share identical or similar views on many major international and regional issues. Both sides should continue to work closely in international affairs for world peace and common development.

Harper fully agreed with Hu's important proposals on developing bilateral ties, adding both sides have maintained friendly relations. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties about 40 years ago, bilateral cooperation in all areas has made significant progress and achievements. Canada adheres to the one-China policy and respects China's territorial integrity. Canada is ready to view and develop cooperative relations with China from a long-term perspective and is delighted with China's bigger role in international affairs. The two countries are highly complementary and there is huge potential for further development of their trade ties. China and Canada have also great room for cooperation on energy and environment. Canada is to work closely with China to fight against trade protectionism, promote world economic growth, strengthen cultural exchanges and multilateral cooperation and strengthen the bonds of friendship between both peoples.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi was present at the meeting.