Stephen and Laureen check out major brickage (5 photos)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen are in Badaling, China today, visiting the Great Wall of China.

The following statements were issued by Harper's office:

****************************** Prime Minister Stephen Harper welcomes new agreements with China on climate change and cultural exchanges

Agreements highlight the depth and range of shared interests

BEIJING, CHINA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada has signed two agreements with China that will result in greater cooperation on climate change and culture. 

The Prime Minister and Wen Jiabao, premier of China, witnessed the signing of the two agreements in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China.

“These agreements highlight the depth and range of our shared interests with China,” said the prime minister. “From the joint development of clean energy technologies to the exchange of artistic and cultural heritage, these agreements reflect Canada’s commitment to enhancing and expanding our relations with China and lay the foundation for more extensive cooperation.”

Under the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on climate change, Canada and China will work together on the long-term global effort to address climate change through mitigation and adaptation.

It will strengthen Canada-China cooperation in areas such as energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, methane recovery and utilization, and sustainable land management.

The MOU on cultural cooperation will promote joint programs and exchanges in the performing and visual arts, festivals and exhibitions and in the sharing of best practices in the field of cultural heritage. 

The MOU outlines a two-year program of cultural cooperation with China that will create economic opportunities for the Canadian cultural sector and showcase Canadian culture in China.

The Prime Minister also announced that the existing MOU between Canada and China on mineral resources and on agricultural research and training have been renewed. 

As well, a new protocol to the Canada-China Bilateral Agreement on Maritime Transport is also being implemented.

****************************** China grants Canada approved destination status

BEIJING, CHINA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that the Government of China has granted Canada approved destination status, a designation that makes it easier for Chinese nationals to visit Canada.

The prime minister made the announcement in Beijing following his meeting with Wen Jiabao, Premier of China. 

“Approved destination status marks a significant moment in the history of our relations with China, indicating not only our mutual commitment to strengthening our diplomatic and commercial partnerships, but also our people-to-people ties,” said Prime Minister Harper. "As Canada prepares to welcome the world to Vancouver for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this new designation will help more of our Chinese friends discover why Canada is one of the best places in the world in which to invest, innovate, work and compete."

Approved destination status allows Chinese travel agents to advertise and organize group tours to countries with the designation.

This means that obtaining permission to arrange group travel to that country becomes easier. 

As a result, this should encourage more people from China to travel to Canada, which will have a positive impact on the Canadian economy.

In 2008, visits to Canada by Chinese citizens were up 5.3 percent from the year before, for a total of 159,000.

Chinese travellers had the highest average length of stay (28 nights) in Canada and spent more than visitors from any other country ($1,648.51).  

According to a Conference Board of Canada survey, approved destination status is expected to boost the yearly rate of travel to Canada from China by up to 50 percent by 2015.

****************************** For full text of a join release issued today by the Canadian and Chinese governments, please click here