China welcomes Canada's decision to apply for AIIB membership: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China welcomed Canada's decision to apply to be a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).

While meeting with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Xi said that China was willing to improve communication and coordination with Canada, protect an open and inclusive multilateral trade system with the country and deepen cooperation in areas such as climate change, peacekeeping and marine protection.

Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced Canada's decision to apply to be a member of the AIIB, at a press conference in Beijing Wednesday.

Xi also called for more high-level visits between China and Canada. Leaders of both countries should pursue communication and coordination in a variety of ways on issues of mutual concern, Xi said. He added that both sides should enhance dialogue and cooperation in various fields with existing bilateral mechanisms.

This is the first official visit by Trudeau since taking office in November 2015. His father, former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, was the first Canadian prime minister to visit China after the establishment of diplomatic relations.

After his stay in Beijing, Trudeau will fly to Hangzhou to attend the G20 summit.