Li's visit to Canada: Cementing historical relations

As a Canadian residing in China for almost 14 years, I consider China to be my home away from home. Therefore, I’m always interested in any news related to the historical relations between the two nations.

Premier Li Keqiang’s upcoming visit to Ottawa and Montreal, during his 11-day tour to US, Canada and Cuba, captured my attention enough to pen down this article.

By now everybody is aware that China has become a major player on the world stage and its initiative, to help the less-developed countries, that was pledged by President Xi Jinping at the last meeting of the UN general assembly, solidifies its influential role around the globe.

Premier Li, during chairing the symposium on the implementation of 2030 China’s agenda, will discuss effective and pragmatic means of achieving China’s goals of getting rid of poverty and hunger by the year 2030. He will also touch on the challenges that are faced by the UN, such as international terrorism, during his speech.

All countries in general and Canada in particular put tremendous emphasis on establishing solid relations with China due to the fact that China, as one of the major powers, can maintain the balance that is essential for avoiding major conflicts.

After a close look at the development of the relation between China and Canada, one can conclude that the ties are on the right track. It is well-known that Canadians are fond of their Chinese counterparts and they are well-aware of the importance of keeping a strong relation with the largest market in the world.

As a Canadian, I am familiar with and proud of the role that the late Doctor Norman Bethune played in effectively bringing modern medicine to rural parts of China and treating sick people in villages that prompted Chairman Mao Zedong to write an eulogy for him which is memorized by millions of Chinese.

Canada was one of the first developed nations to welcome China’s initiative to open up to the world and followed it by establishing numerous collaborative agreements with China during the visits of former prime ministers and premiers from several provinces in Canada.

Chinese Canadians are active participants in developing the Canadian economy and their contribution is greatly appreciated by most Canadians.

During the latest meeting of the G20, China and Canada renewed their commitment to sustaining the unbreakable and historical relations between the two nations by holding regular annual meeting to figure out new means of expanding the aspects and fields of collaboration.

Premier Li will meet with his Canadian counterpart, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, to cement the ties between the two countries. Their meeting will mark the official launch of the regular dialogue in which they will explore strategies to maintain the relations between China and Canada solid and steady.

Premier Li and Prime Minister Trudeau will explore the venues through which China and Canada can boost bilateral collaboration.

Premier Li will attend the Economic and Trade Forum in Montreal before heading to Cuba.

Without any doubt, Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Ottawa and Montreal is a positive step in cementing the historical ties between China and Canada.

Sava Hassan is a Canadian Egyptian educator.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and don't represent views of China Daily website.