Premier Li Keqiang hailed China-Canada relations during a meeting with Jean Chretien, the former Canadian prime minister, at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on April 19.

Premier Li noted that China-Canada relations developed into a “golden decade” during Mr Chretien’s administration and that China appreciates Mr Chretien’s contributions to promote the development of China-Canada relations.

As major countries in the Asia-Pacific region, China and Canada are highly complementary to each other in terms of their economies. People from the two countries enjoy a profound traditional friendship. And there remains huge potential to further develop bilateral relations, according to the Premier.

China pays great attention to developing relations with Canada and appreciates Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s efforts in developing relations with China since he took office. On the basis of mutual respect, treating each other equally, mutual benefit and win-win results, China is willing to cooperate with Canada to strengthen high-level visits, promote trade investment cooperation, coordinate development strategies in basic infrastructure construction and innovation sectors, cooperate in nuclear power sectors in the third-party market, and enhance friendly exchanges in all sectors at all levels.

During the meeting, Mr Chretien recalled happy memories of his visits to China and noted that China-Canada relations are well-developed and that the two economies are natural partners as they are complementary to each other.

There is huge potential in nuclear energy, infrastructure construction and other sectors for both sides, he said.

Mr Chretien said he believes that a new “golden era” of China-Canada relations will come and Canada is willing to cooperate with China in this endeavor.