BEIJING, July 30 -- Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao said here Wednesday China is ready to strengthen practical cooperation with Canada.

Li made the remark as he met with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird in the Great Hall of the People.

Li said the two countries should realize mutual benefits.

Baird said Canada is ready to expand mutually beneficial cooperation with China in areas of energy, resources, finance, insurance and agriculture.

Li said in recent years, China and Canada have maintained a sound relationship. He said China had always adopted a strategic and long-term view on its relations with Canada. He expressed readiness to further deepen strategic trust with Canada by respecting and taking care of each other's interests and concerns.

Li also said China is ready to lift the strategic partnership with Canada to a new level.

Baird said the Canadian government places great importance on developing relations with China.

Baird is on a visit to China, Mongolia and Japan from July 23-30. During his trip to Beijing, China invited Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper to attend a leaders meeting of APEC economies to be held in Beijing in autumn.