On June 21, 2011, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao met with his Canadian counterpart Gerald Cossette in Ottawa, capital of Canada.

Song said he was here to attend the upcoming inauguration of the Chinese Consulate General in Montreal, Quebec on behalf of the Chinese side. He thanked for the Canadian government's strong support and help for the opening of the Chinese Consulate General in Montreal. Cossette congratulated on the opening of the Chinese Consulate General in Montreal, expressing belief that it will promote China's contacts and exchanges with Canada's relevant regions.

Song said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, bilateral ties have made substantial progress. In particular, mutual visits by Chinese President Hu Jintao in June 2010 and by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in December 2009 have pushed the ties to a new development stage. China is ready to work with Canada's new government to strengthen bilateral contacts at high and other levels to build up mutual trust, and expand bilateral trade and two-way investment to serve their respective development strategies. He urged both sides to expand people-to-people exchanges to increase mutual understanding and friendship, and enhance bilateral consular cooperation to facilitate personnel contacts. Both sides should also keep closer communication and coordination on major international and regional issues so as to push for sustained, sound and stable development of China-Canada strategic partnership.

In his reply, Cossette said the Canadian government is satisfied with its relations with China, describing China as an important trade partner and a leading player in the international affairs. The Canadian government attaches great importance to developing ties with China and is ready to further expand bilateral trade and investment, deepen cooperation on education, and enhance communication and coordination in UN peacekeeping, African issues and other major international and regional affairs to maintain world peace and stability.

Both sides also exchanged views on bilateral consular cooperation and other issues of common concern.