Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Friday that China is ready to work with Canada to enhance their bilateral cooperation in political, economic and cultural fields, and in international affairs.

Hu made the remarks while meeting Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the sidelines of the meeting between the Group of Eight major industrialized nations and five major developing countries in Germany's Baltic resort of Heiligendamm.

China-Canada relations have developed smoothly on the whole since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1970, Hu said.

Because of the different domestic conditions, it is natural that China and Canada have differences over some issues, the Chinese president said. The two sides should respect each other, treat each other equally and properly handle their differences through dialogue and consultation, he said.

Harper said Canada and China enjoy long-term friendly relations and there are great potentials for cooperation in many important areas. The two sides should enhance mutual investment and strengthen trade cooperation, he said, adding that bilateral cooperation in environmental protection and energy saving should also be increased.