BEIJING, Dec. 9 (People’s Daily Online) Canada and China are committed to lead on climate change and green growth cooperation, declared Catherine McKenna, Canadian minister of environment and climate change Friday in Beijing.

Minister Catherine McKenna (middle) speaks to the press Friday in Beijing

Minister McKenna accompanied Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his official visit to China. She noted that during the visit the two sides agreed the Paris Agreement is irreversible and cannot be renegotiated, and to work together to complete it and lead internationally.

In addition, two ministerial-level dialogues were established in the joint statement between their respective environmental and clean energy departments.

As the US takes a step back on climate change action, China and Canada have an opportunity and a responsibility to step up in the context of the Paris Agreement, added McKenna.

McKenna stressed the significance of clean air, water, and soil in leaving a sustainable future for future generations.

Canada and China have a strong, long-standing relationship on such issues, she said on Friday, adding that Canada appreciates the very wise words of President Xi Jinping that “green mountains and clean water are equal to mountains of gold and silver.”

McKenna, who brought a business group that included 15 companies specializing in clean techniques, said that economy and environment go together in Canada, and during the visit, she sought cooperation with Chinese enterprises on Carbon Capture and Storage and other clean solutions.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Friday that both China and Canada showed willingness to negotiate and sign a free trade agreement (FTA) during Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit.