On July 4th, the deputy secretary of Sichuan Provincial Party and governor of Sichuan Province Jiang Jufeng met with Mr. and Mrs. Michaelle Jean, the Governor-General of Canada, and her Canadian delegations from such fields as environment, trade, culture.
On behalf of the CCP Sichuan Provincial Committee, Sichuan People s Government and 89 million Sichuan citizens, Jiang Jufeng warmly welcomed Governor-General Michaelle Jean s visit at this special moment of the 40th year since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. Jiang Jufeng said, Sichuan is deeply grateful for the selfless and unconditioned assistance they ve received from Canadian government and different communities after the May 12th Wenchuan earthquake.
Jiang Jufeng briefed Michaelle about the natural, cultural, historical, economic development of Sichuan and the progress of the post-earthquake reconstruction. He said, Chinese and Canadian economy are complementary. And we share a well-based economic and trade cooperation. The total export-import volume for Sichuan and Canada reached 160 million USD last year, which maintained a high growth momentum in the first half of 2010.
Chengdu and Winnipeg are friendship cities. Sichuan is now promoting the establishment of friendship with Canada s British Columbia Province. This visit of Governor-General will surely enhance understanding of both sides. I hope that through bilateral efforts, we ll further our friendly exchange and cooperation in such fields as finance, culture, tourism and education.
Michaelle Jean said, This is a journey for friendship. China is a friendly partner to Canada. And this trip to China aims at strengthening our spirit for unity and cooperation. She also pointed out, By reviewing the 40 years of diplomatic relations, we should not satisfy ourselves on the achievements we ve made through cooperation. We should also lay our focus on possible improvement. To cope with the international financial crisis, China and Canada should exploit their advantages to the full in the future.
Michaelle Jean highly appreciated Sichuan s achievements of the post-earthquake reconstruction. She said, In the project of post-earthquake reconstruction, what impressed me most is the scientific planning and its efficiency. It s not an exaggeration to say that Sichuan has set up a model for post-disaster reconstruction to the whole world.
Born in Haiti, Michaelle Jean said that she will take up a new post as UNESO s special envoy to Haiti at the expiration of her term of office, helping Haiti for their post-earthquake reconstruction. She hoped that her visit to Sichuan could enrich her knowledge in post-earthquake reconstruction and she also expressed her wish to come back again after she took up her new post.
David Mulroney, Canadian Ambassador to China, Wei Hong, the member of CCP Sichuan Provincial Committee and vice-governor, and Ge Honglin, the mayor of Chengdu attended the meeting.
