Shanghai, China, Sunday, October 20, 2013

Thank you for welcoming Sharon and me so warmly. What a pleasure it is to meet with so many friends of Canada here in Shanghai.

When I think of the friendship that exists between China and Canada, I think of Norman Bethune, a Canadian who is of course well known in China for coming here to serve as a physician in the 1930s.

At a time when relations between our countries were not anywhere near the level they are today, Dr. Bethune showed how Chinese and Canadians can work together based on a common humanity. In fact, his status at the time was unique for a foreigner.

Like so many of you here, Bethune focused on bettering the lives of others. Because of him and others like him, our people-to-people ties have grown steadily throughout our history.

Today, our two countries are partnering in a variety of ways. In trade, China is our second-largest partner. In education, almost a third of Canada’s international students come from China. In culture, I would be remiss if I did not mention the talents of the National Arts Centre Orchestra who toured many communities in China, ending with a performance last night here in Shanghai.

Yet, despite all of our accomplishments, I am excited at the promise of what we might still do together. And that begins with all of you here. You, who recognize how important it is for countries like ours to work together.

We are collaborative because we know that is the best way to achieve success domestically and internationally.

This desire to work together is at the heart of our relationship, one that would not be expanding as rapidly without your dedication.

This gathering is cause for celebration.

Together, you are making real contributions to our relationship, reaching out and forging new ties.

Together, it is up to us to create the smarter, more caring world to which we aspire. Let us strive to build fair, prosperous and inclusive societies in which equality of opportunity and excellence go hand in hand. 

Together, we have much to learn from each other, and I thank you for your contributions to our enduring friendship.