ISTANBUL 

China's Premier Li Qiang expressed hope that Canada would provide a “fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies in Canada,” during a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to a statement from China.

In June, Chinese surveillance camera manufacturer Hikvision was ordered to cease operations in Canada and close its Canadian business due to national security concerns.

Li’s remarks came during a Tuesday meeting with Carney in New York, on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly session.

The Chinese premier stressed that “China has long been Canada's second-largest trading partner,” and the bilateral trade has seen “rapid growth,” highlighting Beijing’s willingness to cooperate with Canada “to maintain and develop this positive momentum,” and to resolve mutual economic and trade concerns through dialogue and consultation.

Li also expressed Beijing’s willingness to further advance the bilateral ties with Canada by taking more active and practical actions, while steering the relations “steadily” onto a track of “healthy, stable, and sustainable development.”

China's prime minister urged Ottawa to hold “a correct perception of China, respect each other's core interests and major concerns to lay a solid political foundation for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation.”

The Canadian premier conveyed hope that both sides will strengthen dialogue and exchanges on various levels, according to the Chinese statement.

Carney said through the US social media company X that they discussed opportunities for Canada-China relations and "focused on trade issues around key products like canola and seafood."

"We’re building a constructive, pragmatic dialogue to create more certainty and prosperity for both our nations," he added.

The two leaders also discussed electric vehicles, according to a statement from Carney's office.

The last meeting between top officials from both sides was the 2022 G20 summit in Indonesia, where Chinese President Xi Jinping met with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.