Chinese President Jiang Zemin told Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien Saturday that China values its relations with Canada, and is ready to make concerted efforts with the Canadian side to further strengthen the bilateral cooperation in the new century.

Chretien, who is in Shanghai to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting slated for Saturday and Sunday, expressed his pleasure to come to China again, saying that this is his 14th meeting with Jiang.

Facts have proven that Canada's decision to forge diplomatic ties with China 30 years ago is correct, Chretien said.

Jiang defined Chretien as an "old friend" and said they had met on many bilateral and international occasions. Jiang noted that the Sino-Canadian ties have maintained a good momentum of rapid development in recent years, featured by the fruitful cooperation in various areas including politics, trade and economy, education, science and technology, and culture and judicial affairs.

When exchanging views on issues related to the ongoing APEC meetings, Jiang said that APEC is one of the most important forums for economic cooperation in the Asia Pacific region. China hopes, through this year's APEC meetings, to further push ahead the APEC cooperation process, the President added. Chretien shared Jiang's view in this regard.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the international situation and some other issues of common concern.

(Xinhua News Agency 10/20/2001)