He announced that China will set up a Chinese cultural center in Canada and invite 100 local education officials and headmasters of primary and middle schools in Canada to visit China this year. Next year, China will invite 100 Canadian students to participate in summer camps in China.

He welcomed the signing of the agreement to designate Canada as a destination of overseas travel by Chinese citizens and welcomed more Canadian citizens to participate in the World Expo in China.

Hu further said China is willing to step up coordination and cooperation with Canada on the reform of the United Nations, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear disarmament, international peace-keeping and global public health. The two countries should work together to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity.

China appreciates Canada's repeated commitments to adhere to the one-China policy and respect China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Hu added.

He expressed the wish that Canada would continue to show understanding of and support for China's stance and properly handle related sensitive issues, saying this is crucial for the long-term, healthy development of Sino-Canadian relations.

Harper welcomed Hu's visit to Canada. He said Hu's visit is of great significance since this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada and a summit of the Group of 20 (G20) is to be held in Toronto.

Harper said that over the past 40 years, China's international status has been rising and the Canada-China cooperation in various areas has witnessed huge progress.

Canada-China relations have become one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, he said, adding that bilateral relations have great potential for further growth.

Harper added that Canada is delighted to see the signing of the tourist destination agreement and the new progress made in bilateral agricultural cooperation.

He said Canada is ready to work with China to further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.