China, Canada pledge to strengthen resource cooperation

BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien here on Monday. The two sides pledged to strengthen cooperation on resources.

"China is a big producer and consumer of energy and resources. We will adhere to relying on domestic resources, and at the same time, continue to expand mutually-beneficial cooperation with relevant countries," Li said.

He said that Canada has abundant resources and advanced technology and management experience. The two sides should expand cooperation to realize balance between resources production and consumption, and promote bilateral investment and trade.

Chretien said China has an increasing influence on the world economy and China's development is a big opportunity for Canada. He called on the two sides to strengthen cooperation with regard to the minerals and finance sectors, so as to make full use of each other's advantages.

Li also spoke highly of Chretien's contribution to the development of China-Canada relations, and hoped he would continue to promote pragmatic cooperation between the two countries.

"This year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of China-Canada diplomatic ties. We hope the two countries would take this as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue, exchanges and cooperation in various areas, so as to promote sound, stable and continued development of bilateral relations," Li said.