BEIJING ,December 4th 2009: Canada and China agreed to avoid disputes on contentious issues and seek a “significant new era” in relations, as Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was set for more talks in Beijing Friday.

A joint statement emailed to AFP late Thursday and issued after separate talks between Harper — on his first official trip to China — and his hosts President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao laid out the aspirations.

“The two sides agreed to work together to further promote China-Canada cooperation in all bilateral areas and international affairs, as bilateral relations enter a significant new era,” the statement said.

Ties between the two sides have languished in recent years as Harper’s government has been outspoken in criticising Beijing over its human rights record and allegations of Chinese spying.

“Both sides acknowledged that differing histories and national conditions can create some distinct points of view on issues such as human rights,” it said, adding that they would increase dialogue on the thorny issue.

It also said the two sides pledged to respect each other’s “sovereignty and territorial integrity, core interests and major concerns” and acknowledged that each country has “the right to choose its own path.”

Premier Wen Jiabao appeared to refer to the frosty relations on Thursday, noting that the last visit by a Canadian leader came five years ago.

“Five years is too long for a relationship like ours, and that’s why there have been comments in the media that this should have taken place earlier,” he told Harper.

The trip by Harper, who arrived Wednesday, has been viewed as motivated at least in part by fears in the Canadian business community that an aloof relationship with China could hurt trade ties.

The two sides on Thursday signed a series of agreements on areas including climate change.

They would work together in areas such as energy efficiency, environmentally friendly technology and adapting to climate change, according to a statement on the website of Canada’s embassy in Beijing.

Sino-Canadian trade hit 53.1 billion Canadian dollars (50.3 billion US dollars) last year, according to Canadian officials, who said before the trip that commercial relations were at a “historic high.”