Ottawa mayor looking for expanded links with China

Ottawa's mayor welcomed the visit of Premier Li Keqiang, saying it was a good opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen ties between Canada and China.

"I think anytime there are these kinds of exchanges, they're positive," said Jim Watson, who has been mayor of the Canadian capital since 2010. "The more we can have dialogue, talking about challenges and some of the frustrations of the relationship, some of the positive things about the relationship, it's a good thing."

Ottawa has had a sister-city relationship with Beijing since 1999. The link was extended in 2013 when Watson signed the Exchange and Cooperation Agreement with Beijing to further strengthen ties in economic development, trade, investment, education and tourism.