Canadian PM Harper congratulates Shanghai Expo opening

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued Friday a statement at the opening of the Shanghai 2010 Expo, expecting the Canada Pavilion will show Canada as a modern, democratic and pluralistic country that it is.

"Today, on the opening of the Canada Pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 Expo, I invite everyone to visit the Pavilion and learn more about our great country," he said.

Harper recalled that during his visit to Shanghai last December, he had an opportunity to visit the site of the Pavilion and he was sure that it will reflect Canada's strength, creativity and diversity.

"The Expo itself will provide us with an opportunity to build stronger economic, diplomatic and cultural ties with China as we showcase our country, our arts and culture, and our values," he said

Harper expected that over the next six months the Expo and the pavilion will welcome millions of visitors from all over the world, adding that "let us seize this opportunity to promote our country and build closer ties with our trading partners."

"On behalf of all Canadians, I give my thanks to the organizers and designers for their remarkable achievement," he concluded.

Source: Xinhua