On the afternoon of September 23, 2016 local time, Premier Li Keqiang met with Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard of Canada at the hotel where he stayed in Montreal.

Li Keqiang said that China and Canada enjoy long-lasting friendship and Quebec has time-honored friendly exchanges with China. China will never forget the selfless assistance from Canadian friends represented by Norman Bethune. I have reached important consensus with Canadian leaders on bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas during the visit this time. It is believed that the stable development of China-Canada relations will provide new good opportunities for cooperation between China and Quebec.

Li Keqiang pointed out that local cooperation is an important part of China-Canada relations. Quebec enjoys an important and unique status in Canada and always spearheads cooperation with China. China and Canada have reached consensus on launching the feasibility study of a free trade zone, in which China welcomes Quebec to play a positive role. The Chinese government welcomes companies in Quebec to invest and develop in China and encourages competent Chinese companies to cooperate with Quebec so as to jointly consolidate the foundation of bilateral pragmatic cooperation and make new contributions to the development of China-Canada relations.

Philippe Couillard expressed that Quebec and China share a long history in exchanges and close cooperation in economy and people-to-people and cultural engagement. During Premier Li Keqiang's visit, both sides decided to launch the feasibility study of a potential free trade agreement, which Quebec greatly supports. Advocating free trade, Quebec is willing to closely cooperate with the federal government to accelerate the process of free trade between Canada and China. Quebec also hopes to enhance cooperation in the carbon emission market with China and welcomes Chinese companies to carry out diverse investment in Quebec.

Before the meeting, Li Keqiang visited the exhibition commemorating Dr. Norman Bethune and China-Canada friendship specially prepared by Canada for his visit.