Chinese Premier Li Keqiang makes remarks when meeting journalists together with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in Ottawa, Sept 22, 2016. Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn

OTTAWA -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday that China and Canada have agreed to strengthen their ties in economic, trade and other fields, and to begin exploratory talks for a potential free trade agreement.

Li, who is on an official visit to the North American nation, made the remarks when meeting journalists together with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

"We have reached many new consensuses in economic and trade area," said Li, adding that China is willing to import frozen beef from Canada and the two sides have reached an agreement on Canada's canola exports to China.

Li also said that the two sides discussed cooperation in finance, tourism, law enforcement, as well as between their local governments.

"The exchange of visits within one month showed that China-Canada relations are entering a new stage," said Li who referred to Trudeau's recent official visit to China, adding that "it's rare in the bilateral ties, and conforms to the interests of both countries as well as the expectations of the international community."

Li arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday. His visit to Canada is the first by a Chinese premier in 13 years.

The Chinese leader said the two sides agreed that they have broad common interests and sound cooperation. The development of the bilateral ties is in the interests of both Chinese and Canadian peoples as well as the world' s peace and stability.

"We have decided to strengthen exchanges in all levels and in multiple mechanisms. We have agreed to establish high-level financial dialogue mechanism," Li said.

The Chinese leader also noted that they have discussed their differences, saying that it is normal for China and Canada, two countries with different national conditions and in different development stages, to differ.