On the afternoon of September 21, 2016 local time, at the invitation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, Premier Li Keqiang arrived at Macdonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa by special plane, starting his official visit to Canada. Mme. Cheng Hong, wife of Premier Li Keqiang arrived by the same plane.

Senior officials of the Canadian government greeted Li Keqiang at the airport. Honor guard lined up at each side of the red carpet. H.E. Luo Zhaohui, Chinese Ambassador to Canada, also greeted him at the airport.

Li Keqiang said China-Canada relations boast deep foundation, huge potential and great development opportunities. The exchange of visits by me and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau within one month fully shows that both sides value the development of bilateral relations. During my visit this time, we will officially launch the annual dialogue mechanism between the Chinese Premier and the Canadian Prime Minister. I will also further deepen communication with the Canadian side on topics of common concern and boost exchanges and cooperation in various areas, so as to inject strong impetus into the development of China-Canada relations in the new era.

During his stay in Ottawa, Li Keqiang and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada will hold the first annual dialogue between the Chinese Premier and the Canadian Prime Minister and witness the signing of relevant bilateral cooperation documents. Li Keqiang will also meet with Governor General, Speaker of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Commons, and relevant local leaders of Canada. Li Keqiang and Justin Trudeau will jointly attend and address China-Canada Economic and Trade Cooperation Forum in Montreal as well as attend featured people-to-people and cultural activities and other events.

Li Keqiang arrived in Ottawa after attending high-level meetings of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly. When leaving New York, Permanent Representative of China to the UN Liu Jieyi, H.E. Cui Tiankai, Chinese Ambassador to the US, H.E. Zhang Qiyue, Consul General of China in New York and others saw Li Keqiang off at the airport.