Latest news with #BilateralTalks
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
China seeks improved ties with Canada amid rising trade tensions
China called on Friday for steps to improve bilateral ties with Canada, saying there were no deep-seated conflicts of interest, following a spike in trade tensions with many of Beijing's Western trade partners this year. China is willing to work with Canada to put ties on a healthy and stable path and find solutions to address each other's concerns through enhanced dialogue, Premier Li Qiang told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in a phone call on Friday, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. "There is no fundamental conflict of interests between the two countries," Li said. Li's talks with Carney followed a highly anticipated phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday, which Trump said led to "a very positive conclusion" and offered hope the trade war between the world's two largest economies might start to de-escalate. As the effects of trade frictions start to make their way into the already soft Chinese economy, Beijing has stepped up engagement with other countries to alleviate friction despite earlier retaliation. In March, Beijing announced tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Ottawa's levies on Chinese electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products introduced in October. Beijing has also launched an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola that is set to conclude in September. Canola, also known as rapeseed, was one of Canada's top exports to China, the world's No. 1 agricultural importer, prior to Beijing's investigation. "The two governments should listen to and respond to the people's calls and do more to deepen the friendly cooperation and enhance mutual understanding and trust," Li told Carney. China is Canada's second-largest trading partner, trailing far behind the United States. Canada exported $47 billion worth of goods to the world's second-largest economy in 2024, according to Chinese customs data. Beijing is also willing to work with Canada to safeguard multilateralism and free trade, Li added. Beijing's olive branch to Ottawa also comes ahead of a Group of Seven leaders summit in Canada later this month. At the G7 summit in Italy last year, G7 leaders were critical of China, saying they would take steps to shield their economies from China's "unfair" practices.
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 days ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aoun's Visit to Baghdad Eases Strained Ties between Lebanon, Iraq
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Baghdad on Sunday on an official visit for talks with top Iraqi officials. Ties between Lebanon and Iraq had been strained over Aoun's recent remarks about Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). The president also did not attend the Arab League summit in Baghdad last month, with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam participating instead. However, the reception accorded to Aoun on Sunday eased all tensions. He was warmly welcomed by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at Baghdad International Airport and they later held bilateral talks. At a press conference following their meeting, Aoun quoted Iraq's top Shiite Authority Ali al-Sistani when speaking about the need for authorities to derive lessons from the past and to work on establishing a better future for the people. This work should be based on practical plans for managing the country that are based on competency and integrity, away from foreign meddling and while keeping the possession of weapons limited to the state, he added. Aoun expressed his gratitude to Sudani 'for everything you have constantly offered Lebanon, such as aid in every field.' 'Every Lebanese person now truly believes that during each crisis, they can turn to Iraq that will come to Lebanon's aid in actions, not just in words,' he stressed. For his part, Sudani underlined the Iraqi government and people's 'keenness on supporting Lebanon and strengthening its state institutions.' Iraq supports Lebanon's unity, stability and territorial integrity, he added. A statement from Sudani's office said the leaders discussed bilateral ties and opportunities for cooperation between their countries in various fields. They also tackled regional developments. Aoun expressed his gratitude for Iraq's support to Lebanon, saying he was keen on expanding cooperation to meet the interests of the people in both countries. Aoun also held talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid. Aoun is expected to discuss with officials the possibility of Iraq continuing to provide Lebanon with fuel to operate power plants. They will also address security affairs and other issues. In April, Aoun had declared that Lebanon will not replicate the PMF experience in Iraq in Lebanon as part of efforts to merge Hezbollah with the Lebanese army. Hezbollah will also not act as an independent unit inside the army. His remarks had angered Baghdad, which stressed that the PMF is a military institution and part of Iraq's armed forces. Iraq summoned Lebanon's ambassador in Baghdad at the time to protest the statements.
