On October 13, Premier Wen Jiabao and Prime Minister Paul Martin 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 Premier Wen Jiabao to Prime Minister Paul Martin:

On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada, I would like to extend, on behalf of the Chinese Government and people and in my own name, my warmest congratulations to you, and through you to your government and people.

35 years ago, the joint efforts of the leaders of the two countries opened a historic chapter in China-Canada relations. The past 35 years witnessed the rapid development of bilateral relations, featuring frequent exchanges at all levels, fruitful results in cooperation in areas ranging from economy and trade to science and technology, education and culture, as well as close consultations and coordination on major international and regional issues.

During President HU Jintao's state visit to Canada not long ago, the two sides 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. This move meets the needs of the common interests and the wishes of the two peoples, and also makes an important contribution to the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. We would like to make use of this opportunity to work together with the Canadian side to further the bilateral cooperation in all areas and constantly enrich and deepen China-Canada strategic partnership.

The message from Prime Minister Paul Martin to Premier Wen Jiabao goes as follows:

It gives me great pleasure to write to you on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and the People's Republic of China. Over the past three and half decades, the relationship between our two countries has flourished and evolved into what is truly a strategic partnership.

Since the first shipments of Canadian wheat to the People's Republic of China in 1961, our commercial exchanges have grown exponentially and brought mutual prosperity to the people of Canada and China. We are entering a new stage in our commercial relationship, and investment, scientific and technological cooperation, and long-term partnerships are becoming increasingly important. I believe that the coming decade will see our commercial relationship transformed yet again.

Although it is the official relationship we are marking now, I am mindful that family ties, as well as cultural, sporting and commercial links, have been bringing the people of Canada and China together for more than a century. Ongoing contact between the people of our two countries is the cornerstone of our relations. As Chinese tourists gain new opportunities to visit Canada, the number of travelers between our two countries will no doubt continue to grow, contributing greatly to better understanding between the people of Canada and China.

On behalf of the Government of Canada and Canadians, I would like to thank you for your personal contribution to building the relationship between our two countries.