China on Monday called for stronger cooperation with Canada in fields ranging from trade and the economy to energy and the environment.

"We expect China and Canada to expand substantive cooperation in comprehensive fields covering economy and trade, energy and resources, science and technology, environmental protection, and public health," Vice Premier Li Keqiang said in a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird.

Baird came to Beijing on Sunday for his five-day China trip. This is Baird's first outgoing visit since he took office as foreign minister in May.

Li started the meeting by reviewing the growth of China-Canada relations since the two countries forged diplomatic ties in November 1970.

China-Canada relations ushered in a new era of development as President Hu Jintao and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper exchanged visits and reached consensus on developing a bilateral strategic partnership, Li said.

As influential countries in the Asian-Pacific region and the world, China and Canada are economically complementary, share a solid foundation for cooperation, and boast huge potentials, Li said.

"China-Canada cooperation, which is comprehensive, not only benefits the two countries, but also keeps up with the time," Li said.

Li said China will deal with its relations with Canada from a strategic perspective and make joint efforts with Canada to advance bilateral relations and benefit their peoples.

Baird said the Canadian government and Prime Minister Harper are committed to developing ties with China and are prioritizing Canada-China ties.

Canada has been satisfied with the achievements the two countries have achieved over the past two years, Baird said, adding Canada would like to work with China to boost bilateral relations.

Earlier Monday, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi held talks with Baird.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2011)