On October 13, Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Canadian Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew exchanged congratulatory messages on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada.

The Following is the message from Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing to Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew:

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to you.

Since China and Canada established diplomatic relations, the leaders of the two countries have had frequent exchanges of visits. At all the other levels, the exchanges and contacts have been close, and the cooperation in areas ranging from economy and trade to culture, education and science and technology have been fruitful. The two sides have also kept close consultations and coordination on major international and regional issues.

During President HU Jintao's successful state visit to Canada not long ago, the leaders of the two countries agreed to upgrade the relationship to a level of strategic partnership, which will open up even broader prospects for the development of our bilateral relations. In the years to come, I look forward to working together with you to implement the agreement of our leaders and push forward the development of the strategic partnership.

The message from Foreign Minister Pierre Pettigrew to Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing goes as follows:

As you know, October 13, 2005, marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and the People's Republic of China. It gives me great satisfaction to acknowledge that the relationship between our two countries has never been stronger, nor as central to the lives of our citizens, as it is today. In a year highlighted by important successes, including the exchange of state visits by Prime Minister Martin and President Hu, and the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between our two countries, I am confident that the Canada-China relationship is on the right path for the years ahead.

Our respective foreign ministries are key to the success of the Strategic Working Group launched in January by Prime Minister Martin and Premier Wen. Indeed, the Strategic Working Group has already proven itself to be a valuable forum for enhanced dialogue and cooperation. Our officials are now working together on how best to elaborate our new Strategic Partnership and I believe we would be well-served by expanding the scope of the Strategic Working Group to encompass other areas of mutual interest. I would welcome your views regarding areas of enhanced dialogue.

The discussions between President Hu and Prime Minister Martin, as well our own exchanges, have achieved significant progress on key bilateral issues. In the coming year, I hope that we will be able to capitalize on the progress we have made, by completing negotiations for the implementation of Canada's Approved Destination status this year, and by continuing discussions on a scientific basis towards the reopening of the Chinese market to exports of Canadian beef. We will also be working towards the implementation of the Joint Declaration on Science and Technology that our leaders announced in September, as well as towards the successful conclusion of negotiations concerning a bilateral Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.

I trust you will agree that the friendly relations that exist between our nations have enriched and enhanced the lives of the people of Canada and China alike. I look forward to working with you in the years ahead to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations.