Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Ottawa Thursday that China is ready to work with Canada to further advance bilateral ties in a healthy and stable way.

Hu made the remarks as he met with Michael Ignatieff, head of the Canadian Liberal Party, an opposition party in the country. He pointed out that since the two countries established diplomatic ties 40 years ago, they have made huge progress in bilateral relations.

The Chinese president said under the current international situation that is undergoing profound changes, the two countries share broad common interests and foundation for cooperation in such areas as promoting their own economic growths and the world economy, pushing for resolution of regional hotspot issues and addressing global challenges.

Advancing China-Canada relations conforms with the common aspiration of the peoples of both countries, Hu added.

Hu also said his country is ready to work with Canada to perceive and develop bilateral links from a strategic height and with a long-term perspective. He said the two countries should increase exchange of visits by leaders so as to enhance mutual trust. They should also enhance pragmatic cooperation in various areas and carry out close communications and coordination on regional and international issues.

Hu pointed out that the Canadian Liberal Party has actively pursued a friendly policy toward China over the years. China will never forget the important role that the Canadian Liberal Party has played in advancing bilateral links, he said.

Hu said China places importance on its relations with the Canadian Liberal Party and wishes that the party continue to care for and support expansion of China-Canada relations.

Ignatieff welcomed Hu to Canada. He said the Canadian Liberal Party has always insisted on promoting relations with China and will continue to work for advancing bilateral ties in various aspects. He hoped that the strategic partnership between Canada and China will be further expanded.

On Thursday Hu also met with former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien. He thanked Chretien for his contribution toward the development of China-Canada relations. He expressed the hope that Chretien will continue to work to advance bilateral links and make fresh contribution to cooperation and friendship between the two countries.

Chretien said he was delighted to see the resumption and expansion of bilateral links. He expressed willingness to continue work for bilateral cooperation in all fields.

The Chinese president arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday for a state visit to Canada. He will fly to Toronto to attend a summit of the G20 on Friday.