Let me say that the Government of Canada is promoting a frank, friendly, and forward-looking relationship with China. We are extremely pleased with the results of the high-level visits made to China by both my colleague Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade, and me.
On the occasion of these visits, we had broad and constructive discussions with China's leadership on a whole range of global and bilateral interests. We agreed to make tangible progress on a number of important issues. We also committed to working together to address global and pressing issues, such as the financial crisis, the economic downturn, climate change, counter-terrorism, and emerging infectious diseases. Both sides are committed to redoubling their efforts to be able to move forward.
I did have, at the same time, along with my colleague the member for Toronto Centre, the opportunity to visit Canada's 2010 Expo site, which is now under construction. We also had the opportunity to meet with and announce the new commissioner general, Mark Rowswell, an individual who has been with the Canadian foreign service for some time. He will be acting as our commissioner general. He is better known in China. I think he's probably Canada's best export to China, as a matter of fact. He's better known to a lot of Chinese for his role as Dashan, which literally means “big mountain”. He is extremely popular, as both I and Mr. Rae can attest—as well as Olivia Chow, who was there with us.