State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan met in Beijing Monday with former Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin, vowing to enhance relations between the two countries.

 

"China will work with Canada to handle the relationship from a strategic height and solve differences through dialogue, so that relations can move forward in the healthy and stable way," Tang said.

 

He expressed appreciation for the efforts Martin had made in improving Sino-Canadian relations and hopes he will continue to do so.

 

Martin said Canada-China relations are "one of the most important" for Canada, adding that there is a consensus in Canada that friendship with China should be improved.

 

He pledged to continue his effort to enhance Canada-China relations.

 

Martin is here attending an international seminar held by Tsinghua University and the University of Victoria.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)