Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced that Hu Jintao, President of China, will pay a state visit to Canada as a guest of Governor General Adrienne Clarkson from September 8 to 11 and 16 to 17, 2005. While in Canada, President Hu will visit Ottawa, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Vancouver.
"I look forward to welcoming President Hu to Canada to continue our ongoing dialogue as our two countries prepare to mark 35 years of diplomatic relations," said Prime Minister Martin. "This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our personal relationship and our commitment to forming strategic partnerships between our two countries."
In Ottawa on September 8, the President will meet Governor General Clarkson and attend a state dinner. On September 9, the Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet will meet with the President. Discussions will focus on a range of bilateral and international areas such as the environment, including climate change, energy, science and technology, investment, trade, human rights and tourism.
On September 10, President Hu will travel to Toronto and Niagara Falls. In Toronto, he will meet with federal and provincial government representatives, business leaders and members of the Chinese-Canadian community.
In Vancouver on September 16, the President will meet with federal and provincial government representatives. On September 17, the Prime Minister will host a luncheon in the President's honour.
President Hu's visit to Canada follows the Prime Minister's official visit to China in January of this year. It will be President Hu's first visit to Canada and the third visit to Canada by China's President since the two countries established diplomatic relations on October 13, 1970.
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