Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Ottawa Wednesday evening, starting his two-day official visit to Canada at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.  

In a written statement upon his arrival, Wen said, "in the last 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the bilateral relations have made great progress."

"At present, the bilateral relations are on a good track and face new opportunities for development," he added.

He also said, "Further deepening the China-Canada comprehensive cooperative partnership is not only in conformity with the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but also conducive to the maintenance and promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

"The aim of my current visit is to further deepen mutual understanding, expand areas of agreement, promote friendship and comprehensive cooperative partnership," he stressed.

In the statement, the Chinese premier also expressed his belief that with the joint efforts of both sides, his visit will push forward the China-Canada relations.

Wen arrived here from the United States, to which he paid a four-day visit.

(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2003)