On the morning of December 11, 2003, visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with his Canadian counterpart Jean Chretien in Ottawa.

Wen highly evaluated the prominent achievements made in the development of the bilateral relationship established 33 years ago. He stressed that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of the friendship and cooperation with Canada. There is no fundamental conflict between the two countries, but wide common interests. China and Canada share broad basis of cooperation in maintaining peace and stability in Asia-Pacific area, promoting the two countries' economic growth and prosperity and dealing with terrorism, international crime and the deterioration of the environment, etc. .The Sino-Canadian relationship should become an exalted example of a long-term friendship and cooperation between countries of different social systems and different development levels. Both countries enjoy mutual respect in politics, mutual trust in security, mutual promotion in economy, mutual study in culture so as to realize common development.

Wen raised the four-point proposals for further strengthening the development of the relationship between the two countries. Firstly, the two countries should continue contacts and exchange activities at all levels, and set up a ministerial coordinating mechanism to discuss bilateral issues, including political and economic relations between the two sides.Secondly, the two sides should deepen cooperation in the fields of energy, environmental protection, telecommunications and finance, by way of exchanging resources, and promoting investment with technology, so as to establish a long-term stable economic cooperative mode that is mutually beneficial. China hopes that Canada can recognize the market economy status of China as soon as possible. Thirdly, both sides should vigorously promote the exchanges in science and technology, education, talents and culture. Fourthly, the two countries should strengthen the exchange and coordination in important international and regional issues like maintaining peace, the reform of the Security Council, etc., and keep close consultation and cooperation in international or regional organizations like UN, APEC, ASEAN, etc. to work for the world peace and stability.

Chretien recalled his six visits to China in his tenure, and highly praised the huge achievements of the Chinese economic and social development and the two countries' cooperation in politics, economy, culture and education. He said that though he himself would resign soon, the Canadian government fully supports Premier Wen's active suggestions in promoting Sino-Canadian relationship. He would like to work hard together with China to strengthen the two countries' comprehensive cooperative partnership.

After the talks, the two prime ministers presided over the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Transport Canada and the Ministry of Communications of China on highway and waterway transportationand other 6 agreements, and they also answered some of the reporters'questions.