Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and his Canadian counterpart Peter MacKay vowed on Thursday to further cement their bilateral ties.

 

Both countries should view the China-Canada ties from the perspective of strategic importance, Li said when meeting with MacKay on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial meeting.

 

The two countries should strengthen high-level exchanges, expand trade and economic cooperation and enhance coordination on international and regional issues, as the China-Canada strategic partnership serves the fundamental interests of both peoples, he added.

 

Mackay said Canada is willing to boost the exchanges and cooperation with China in the fields of politics, trade and economy as well as science and technology, as to enhance mutual trust and understanding.

 

The Ministerial Meeting, or dual-ministerial meeting, is attended by ministers of the 21 APEC member economies in charge of foreign affairs and trade to prepare for the November 18-19 Economic Leaders' Meeting.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2006)