Canadian PM Visits Xi'an

Canadian PM Visits Xi'an

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Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien visited Xi'an, this capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province Monday.

In a meeting with Chretien, Cheng Andong, governor of Shaanxi Province, described the province as "one of the core areas in the implementation of China's strategy of developing its west".

The province enjoys advantages in science, technology and education, Cheng said, expressing his confidence that Chretien's visit will promote cooperation between Shaanxi and Canada in diverse sectors including science, technology, trade and tourism.

Cheng also hoped that the two sides will continue to join efforts to develop airliners for China's regional air routes.

Chretien said China's strategy for developing its western regions has provided Canadian entrepreneurs with many opportunities. He hoped some new cooperative projects would be concluded during his visit in Shaaxi, believing that Quebec and Shaanxi would have massive potential for further cooperation in the aviation sector.

After the meeting, Chretien and Cheng attended a signing ceremony for six projects between Shaanxi Province and Canada.

Chretien and his delegation attended the inauguration ceremony of a baby-health center Monday afternoon and visited the world- famous terra-cotta warriors before they flew back to Beijing to continue their China visit.

Chretien arrived in China Saturday, accompanied by an entourage of more than 600 people, the largest mission ever sent by Canada to a foreign country in its diplomatic history.