On December 3, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Great Hall of the People. Both sides pledged to commit to developing China-Canada relations featuring long-term friendship and all-round cooperation.

Wen Jiabao said that Canada is among the Western countries that established diplomatic relations with China quite early and has marched at the forefront of Western countries that have carried out cooperation with China over a long time. "The China-Canada relations experienced twists and turns in recent years, which was not in the interests of both sides," Wen said. The premier noted that the two nations did not have conflicts of fundamental interests, and common interests far outweighed disparities. As long as the two nations abide by the principles of mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, and take care of each other's core interests and major concerns, the China-Canada relations will see healthy and stable progress, he noted. Next year, China and Canada will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. He hoped both sides will make joint efforts to turn a new page for bilateral ties.

Wen said faced with global challenges such as the international financial crisis, climate change and energy security, both sides should strengthen consultation and deepen cooperation for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. China welcomes Canada's efforts to pursue the trade diversification strategy and expand exports to China, which are conducive to promoting a balanced growth of bilateral trade. Both sides should undertake to expedite negotiations of an agreement on investment protection to provide legal guarantee for mutual investment. China is ready to get more involved in Canada's efforts to implement the Asia-Pacific Gateway Plan in ports, railways, roads, telecommunications and other infrastructure construction. As Canada has outstanding advantages in environmental protection industry, green economy and energy and mining sectors, bilateral cooperation enjoys a broad prospect. China has decided to grant the Approved Destination Status (ADS) to Canada. Both sides should expand exchanges on education, culture, sports and tourism and between media to build understanding and friendship between both peoples.

Harper said Canada-China ties had witnessed "tremendous growth" in the past 39 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, not only in bilateral trade and investment but also in people-to-people exchanges. Both countries shared extensive common interests and broad cooperation space. Canada attached great importance to the strategic partnership with China, he said, adding that Canada adhered to the one-China policy, respected China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and would properly solve disputes between the two nations in a friendly, frank and mutual-respect manner. Canada hopes to enhance dialogue and cooperation with China and make the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties a new milestone in the history of bilateral ties.

Harper said that the two economies are highly complementary and there is huge potential for their mutually beneficial cooperation. Canada has regarded China as a key targeted country of the "Asia-Pacific Gateway Plan" and hoped to explore together with China new areas and new ways of expanding economic, trade and investment cooperation. Canada opposes trade protectionism, does not discriminate against foreign investment in Canada, and hopes the two sides will sign an investment protection agreement as soon as possible. Canada is ready to take the signing of the relevant agreement by the two sides as an opportunity to promote cooperation in environmental protection, energy and other areas between the two countries. Canada supports expanding humanities and education exchanges between the two countries and will simplify the procedures of visa examination and approval to facilitate personnel exchanges between the two countries.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, financial and economic cooperation of the G20, the Dora round of the WTO talks and other issues and agreed to strengthen communication and coordination between the two countries in important international affairs.

Following the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the signing of documents on bilateral cooperation in climate change, mineral resources, culture, agriculture, education and other areas. The two sides also issued a China-Canada Joint Statement.