Canada, China move to stabilise relations with focus on trade, energy

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Ottawa on 29 May, with both sides signalling an intention to stabilise and expand bilateral relations following a recent diplomatic thaw.

During the meeting, Carney asked Wang to convey his greetings to China’s leadership and pointed to progress since his visit to China earlier this year, when both sides agreed to establish a new strategic partnership, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

He said that over the past four months, exchanges at multiple levels had resumed and cooperation had begun to accelerate across a range of sectors.

Carney said Canada is prepared to deepen engagement with China in areas including energy, finance, and agriculture and fisheries, and to continue strengthening the foundation of the bilateral relationship.

He also expressed support for China’s hosting of an upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Informal Meeting, and said Ottawa is willing to work with Beijing on promoting multilateralism and supporting global economic stability.

Wang Yi said Carney’s earlier visit to China had helped “correct the course” of bilateral relations and return them to a normal track. He said the agreement between the two leaders to build a new strategic partnership provides strategic guidance for future cooperation.

Wang added that China and Canada do not have fundamental conflicts of interest and possess significant potential for cooperation. He urged both sides to follow principles of mutual respect, manage differences, and deepen practical cooperation to ensure the stable and sustainable development of relations. He also called for support for multilateralism, international law, free trade and an open global economy.

During his visit, Wang also held talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly and met former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, according to official statements.

By Aghakazim Guliyev