“We’ve agreed to launch exploratory talks towards a potential free-trade agreement between Canada and China”, Trudeau said at a joint news conference with visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (center) and his wife Cheng Hong, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (second from right) and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau wave to photographers before the state dinner at the Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, on Thursday (Canadian time).
Trudeau reiterated that with the two countries engaged in a high-level security dialogue, they now have a forum in which to discuss disagreements rather than the “ad-hoc” approach of the past.
The Chinese leader praised the reboot after a decade of cooling under the previous Canadian administration, saying through an interpreter: “We believe that China and Canada have extensive common interests and good relations”.
China’s position among Canada’s single-nation trading partners. Both China and Canada are open to talk on this issue. But many Canadians remain suspicious of free trade and of China.
A request by China for an extradition treaty with Canada, which Trudeau has agreed to consider, has ruffled opposition parties in Ottawa, however.
Even if China wants to bring back legitimate economic criminals, there are widespread human rights concerns about the Chinese legal system, said Amnesty International secretary general Alex Neve. “Many developed countries also maintain the death penalty”, said Li. He added that what is more important is to manage their differences, knowing that their common interests are more important.
Li and Trudeau appeared at ease with each other.
Both will reimburse the government for miscellaneous moving expenses, a total of $23,373 for Telford and $20,299 for Butts.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arrived in Canada, welcomed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau called the “historic nature” of their back-to-back visits to each other’s countries a chance to deepen and strengthen the collaboration and co-operation between the two countries on a broad range of issues.
Outside, on the lawns in front of Parliament, hundreds of yellow-clad Falun Gong members – a religious and meditation group that is banned in China – held a protest.
The two countries have agreed to initiate an annual dialogue mechanism between the Chinese premier and Canadian Prime Minister, starting this year.
Prior to Lis visit to Canada, Beijing, released a Canadian national held since 2014 on espionage charges.
Trudeau said here is a lot of anxiety about globalization and trade in the world but said his government is focused on creating trade opportunities that benefit Canada’s middle class and said he’s happy to promote free trade on the global stage.
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“I’m pleased to welcome you here to Canada and look forward to our working together”.
