Agreements highlight the depth and range of shared interests
3 December 2009
Beijing, China
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada has signed two agreements with China that will result in greater cooperation on climate change and culture. The Prime Minister and Wen Jiabao, Premier of China, witnessed the signing of the two agreements in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.
“These agreements highlight the depth and range of our shared interests with China,” said the Prime Minister. “From the joint development of clean energy technologies to the exchange of artistic and cultural heritage, these agreements reflect Canada’s commitment to enhancing and expanding our relations with China and lay the foundation for more extensive cooperation.”
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Climate Change, Canada and China will work together on the long-term global effort to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation. It will strengthen Canada-China cooperation in areas such as energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, methane recovery and utilization, and sustainable land management.
The MOU on Cultural Cooperation will promote joint programs and exchanges in the performing and visual arts, festivals and exhibitions and in the sharing of best practices in the field of cultural heritage. The MOU outlines a two-year program of cultural cooperation with China that will create economic opportunities for the Canadian cultural sector and showcase Canadian culture in China.
The Prime Minister also announced that the existing MOU between Canada and China on mineral resources and on agricultural research and training have been renewed. As well, a new protocol to the Canada-China Bilateral Agreement on Maritime Transport is also being implemented.
For more information on these bilateral agreements, please see the attached backgrounders or visit www.pm.gc.ca.
