On December 11, 2003, visiting Premier Wen Jiabao held respective talks with Canadian Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson, incoming Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party Paul Martin, Speaker of the Senate Daniel Hays and Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Andrew Stewart Milliken. Clarkson delivered a warm welcome to Wen for his visit to Canada. She said that she has been focusing on China's development, and the Canadian people wish the Chinese people greater success. She said that Chinese Canadians have become an important force in the Canadian society and they are eager to make contribution to the development of Canada-China relations.

Speaking on the same occasion, Wen spoke highly of the importance Clarkson attached to and her efforts in promoting the development of China-Canada relations in the long run. He noted that since China and Canada established diplomatic ties 33 years ago, high-level exchange of visits by leaders of the two countries has increased, and exchanges and cooperation in all fields have intensified, not only substantially benefiting the two peoples, but also contributing to peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. He said that the development of the China-Canada relations are in a good momentum at present. He added that China is willing to, based on the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, make joint efforts with Canada in pushing forward the development of their all-round cooperative relations in the new century. During his meeting with incoming Prime Minister Paul Martin, who is also leader of the Canadian Liberal Party, Wen said he had very good talks with Governor-General Clarkson, Prime Minister Chretien and leaders of the Canadian parliament and reached consensus with them on a wide range of issues. He described his visit to Canada as connecting link between the past and the future, and also a success. Wen also briefed Martin about the proposals he put forward during his meeting with Chretien on strengthening the all-round and cooperative relations between China and Canada. Firstly, contacts and exchange between the two countries at all levels, including the top level, should be strengthened and a ministerial-level coordinating mechanism be set up to discuss strategic issues including political and economic relations. Secondly, the two countries should strengthen cooperation in energy, environmental protection, telecommunication and financial sectors so as to exchange resources for market, encourage investment with technology, and build a mode for long-term, stable and mutually beneficial economic cooperation. Thirdly, Wen proposed vigorous efforts be made to boost exchanges in the areas of science and technology, education, culture and other fields. And fourthly, the two sides should intensify contacts and coordination on major international and regional affairs. Wen said that the Chinese government attaches great importance to developing China-Canada relations and is ready to work together with the Canadian side to further promote the development of the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. Wen also briefed Martin on China's strategy for developing its western region and plans to revive old industrial bases in northeast China and other regions, as well as China's position on the nuclear issue of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Martin said the Canadian government which he will lead soon attaches great importance to developing relations with China and will stick to its One China policy. He said that Premier Wen's visit is very important and his proposals will win approval from Canada's new government. He noted that Canada is ready to boost economic and trade cooperation with China in an all-round way, including cooperation of diversified forms with China's western region. It will also strengthen consultation and coordination with China in international affairs in a positive way.

When meeting with Speaker of the Senate Daniel Hays and Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Andrew Stewart Milliken, Wen said that the Chinese government has taken a positive approach to the development of an all-around cooperative partnership with Canada. He said exchanges between the legislatures of the two countries form an important part of the bilateral relations. He also expressed the hope that there would be more frequent and vigorous exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries in the future so as to increase mutual understanding and trust between the two peoples and open up brighter prospects for China-Canada relations. Wen also briefed them on the economic and social development of China, energy strategies, problem-addressing of regional imbalance and democratic and legal system building in China.

Hays and Milliken noted that the Canadian people admire the great changes brought about by China's reform and opening up policy and the significant role China plays in the international arena. They noted that while actively supporting the Canadian government's efforts to expand and deepen the cooperative relations with China in various fields, members of both houses of the parliament are also ready to make their own efforts in this regard.