On the afternoon of September 8, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao meets with Canadian Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson. The two sides conducted friendly talks on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest.

Prior to the talks, Clarkson held a welcoming ceremony for President Hu at the square in front of the Governor-General's Mansion. When the carriage of courtesy only for distinguished foreign guests carrying President Hu and his wife Liu Yongqing was slowly driven to the mansion by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Clarkson, who was already waiting there, went up to express her warm welcome to them. The military band played the national anthems of the two countries and 21 salutes were fired and lingered above the square. Hu inspected Canada's military guards of honor.

The two leaders each delivered a speech at the welcoming ceremony. Clarkson said in her speech that the relationship between Canada and China is increasingly close and the friendship between the two peoples is flourishing. The Canadian people warmly welcome President Hu to visit Canada. For his part, Hu said the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago to respond to the call of the times and the aspiration of the people. Today, bilateral exchanges and cooperation in politics, economy, trade, energy, science, technology, education, culture have boomed. The two countries also conducted productive communication and coordination on key international and regional issues. With the deepening of China-Canada relations, the common interests between the two countries also grow and the basis for bilateral cooperation is constantly consolidated. China is the most populous developing country and Canada is the vastest developed nation. The two economies are highly complimentary and bilateral mutually beneficial cooperation boasts huge potential. As influential countries along the Pacific Rim, China and Canada shoulder the formidable responsibilities of maintaining world peace and promoting common development. To further develop China-Canada relations is the call of the times and the aspiration of the people. We would like to work with Canada to seize the opportunity to expand bilateral cooperation so as to create a better future for bilateral relations and benefit both peoples. It is believed that with the joint efforts of both countries new achievements will be scored in the friendship between the two peoples and the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Later the two leaders held a formal meeting. Clarkson said the friendly exchanges between Canada and China enjoy a long history. Chinese immigrants have made important contributions to the economic development of Canada over the years. Since the two countries established diplomatic ties 35 years ago, the exchanges between the two peoples have grown dramatically and cooperation areas have also been expanded significantly. Hu said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the victory of China's War of Resistance Against the Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-fascism War. Doctor Norman Bethune, who went all the way from Canada to China to save the dying and heal the wounded during the war, was known and remembered by every household in China. Bilateral relations witnessed comprehensive development in recent years with frequent top level exchanges and growing mutual political trust. Economic and trade cooperation has been accelerated. Bilateral trade volume registered only 150 million US dollars at the time of establishment of diplomatic ties whereas it hit 15.5 billion US dollars last year. Bilateral cooperation in other fields is also productive. Hu said to Clarkson the Chinese government gives top priority to developing friendly cooperation with Canada and his current visit is aimed to increase mutual trust, promote cooperation and uplift China-Canada comprehensive cooperative partnership to a new level.

Following the talks, with the company of Clarkson, Hu and his wife planted a basswood in the Governor-General's Mansion, symbolizing the everlasting friendship between the two peoples.

Later in the evening, Clarkson held a grand welcoming banquet for President Hu.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the above activities.