Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has arrived in the capital of Canada, Ottawa, for an official visit.

Li was welcomed by Canadian senior officials. This is the first visit of a Chinese leader to Canada since 2010 and the first visit by a Chinese Premier to the North American country in the past 13 years. During his visit, Li will conduct meetings with his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau.

Like Us on Facebook

Li expressed hope that the visit will help in formally launching the annual dialogue system between the two countries. The Chinese Premier will hold talks with various senior Canadian dignitaries. Li and Trudeau will also participate in the Canada-China Business Forum, which is scheduled to be held in Montreal.

CCTV quoted Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong stating that the visit highlights the importance of developing deeper bilateral ties between both countries.

During Trudeau's visit to China earlier this year, both countries set up the China-Canada High-Level National Security and Rule of Law Dialogue.

China and Canada have shared rather a frigid relationship in the past. However, under the leadership of Trudeau, Ottawa is looking to change its stance. According to CBC, Trudeau said that the bilateral ties between both countries need to be "updated and re-energized."

China is Canada's second-largest trading partner. The volume of trade between both countries reached $67.2 billion in 2015. China is also willing to increase its investment in Canada. 

TagsLi Keqiang, Justin Trudeau