Beijing, China - 8 November 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed progress following meetings in Beijing with Premier Li Keqiang, which will result in bilateral initiatives that will benefit both countries.
During their discussions, which took place as part of the Prime Minister's third official visit to China, the leaders agreed to the Canada-China Joint List of Outcomes 2014 which sets out the future course of bilateral relations. They agreed to further deepen the commercial relationship in the areas of agriculture, energy and civil aviation, and to expand cooperation in the health and financial services sectors.
As part of the Canada-China Joint List of Outcomes 2014, the leaders announced several important initiatives to further advance bilateral relations and promote growth and prosperity in both countries, including:
- the establishment of a Foreign Affairs Ministers Dialogue and an Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue which will enhance bilateral communication and cooperation in the areas of foreign affairs and economic and financial matters, and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries;
- the expansion of a Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Cooperation, which will help the Canadian nuclear industry increase its exports to China and generate jobs and growth in Canada's nuclear energy sector;
- the commitment to support the use of local currencies in trade and investment to help promote the stable and healthy development of a Canadian renminbi market; and,
- an updated Canada-China Air Transport Agreement that allows airlines from both countries to offer more travel options for goods, services and people.
The leaders also recognized the importance that agriculture plays in the bilateral relationship and witnessed the signing of a Phytosanitary Arrangement for permanent market access for Canadian cherries in the Chinese market.
The commitment to further strengthen Canada-China relations is being made with a view to promoting mutual benefit, equality and respect. The leaders also discussed a broad range of international and regional issues of mutual interest.
