Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien recently reflected on his role in shaping Canada-China relations, and shared his family's multi-generational commitment to fostering strong bilateral ties.
Chretien spoke to China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing ahead of an official visit to China by incumbent Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that is scheduled for Jan 14 to 17.
The Canadian politician identified his first visit to China in 1994 as the most impactful decision of his premiership concerning Canada-China relations.
"When I came in 1994, you know, I came with a big delegation. You would remember we call it Team Canada. I came with 500 people -- all the premiers of the provinces and business people, university people -- and I came back with Team Canada again when I was prime minister. I quit politics 22 years ago. And I'm coming here almost every year. I'm here today, and I'm happy to be here," he said.
Chretien underscored the importance of dialogue and engagement, a philosophy he has maintained long after leaving office. He also shared his sustained, multi-generational dedication to good Canada-China relationship.
"I was in the cabinet with the government when we recognized China. We did that before United States and many others. We were the one of the first to do that at that time and it was a very important departure. For me, I had a personal reason is that,Canada China Business Council, the president was my son-in-law. And today, the president of Canada China Business Council is my grandson. So I come, it's a family business for us to work for good relations between China and Canada. I believe in dialogue, and I was telling somebody that I've come more often to Beijing in the last 22 years than I've gone to Washington, United States. Because, for me, it is the way that I see things and of course I am involved with my grandson and my son in Canada China Business Council. So I'm very keen to make sure that everything has worked well," he said.
Former Canadian PM shares family mission to promote Canada-China friendship
The usually bustling streets in the travel hub of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain quiet while the city's airport -- normally one of the busiest in the world -- is practically deserted following Iranian missile attacks that have affected civilian areas over the past few days.
Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.
Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on various targets, with explosions reported in numerous countries including the UAE.
In recent days, the sounds of blasts have echoed in Dubai, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of people and vehicles on the streets, while UAE authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.
The closure of airspace across the Gulf region has also caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
Dubai International Airport now appears virtually empty, with no information displayed on the arrival boards.
Only one screen is operational for departures, and while the majority of flights have been canceled, the UAE has now started permitting a limited number to take off via what it is calling "safe air corridors" in careful coordination with other Gulf countries.
Some travelers gathered in the airport's waiting area on Tuesday, hoping to secure a spot on one of the handful of flights out of the country.
"I'm going back to India. I'm really excited. I came as a tourist. I arrived a week ago. I should have left on Sunday. But I'm leaving on Tuesday, today, two days later," said one Indian traveler.
However, many more remain stuck and can only wait patiently for more updates from airlines.
"I bought one (ticket) a month ago. But the plane that should fly now is canceled. I cannot fly away," said a stricken visitor from Germany.
Despite the circumstances, others say they will stay put and see how the situation unfolds.
"Yeah, I will stay in Dubai," said a worker from Uganda.
The number of visitors in the typically lively Dubai Mall is also noticeably down, while the landmark Apple Store is also presently closed.
The UAE's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that its air defense systems have intercepted close to 900 Iranian drones since the crisis erupted.
The ministry also confirmed that the attacks on the UAE have resulted in three fatalities as well as 78 minor injuries.
Dubai streets remain quiet as travel disruption continues after Iranian attacks
