Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday met?with Canadian Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall, the governor general's official residence.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday met here with Canadian Governor General David Johnston at Rideau Hall. Provided to China Daily

Hailing the governor general's state visit to China in October, 2013 during which Johnston reached broad consensus with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Li said China appreciated the contribution the governor general has made to the bilateral ties.

Though far apart, China and Canada share deep friendship, said Li, adding that his current visit has deepened mutual political trust and pushed forward substantial cooperation.

During Li's visit, the first by a Chinese premier in 13 years, China and Canada have officially launched the annual dialogue mechanism between two prime ministers, reached agreement on the feasibility of a potential free trade agreement and signed a series of documents on economics and trade, agriculture, tourism, law-enforcement, aviation and other areas.

Li said he believes that China-Canada ties will develop rapidly thanks to the joint efforts of both countries and peoples.

Johnston spoke highly of the new progress made in bilateral cooperation during Li's visit, saying it helps open a new chapter in bilateral ties.

The launch of the annual dialogue mechanism between two prime ministers, the enhanced cooperation in extensive areas and the close people-to-people exchanges will bring substantial benefits to the two peoples, said the governor general.

He said he is confident in seeing a better future of bilateral ties.

Li's wife Cheng Hong and Johnston's wife Sharon Johnston were present at the meeting.

Li arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday from New York for a four-day official visit to Canada at the invitation of his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau. Li will head to Cuba on Saturday to continue his America tour.