China and Canada issued the Statement on Energy Cooperation in the 21st Century in Beijing on January 20.

The statement showed the commitment of the countries to increasing energy security and promoting environmental sustainability in the energy sector. The cooperation will cover energy issues including sources of supply, energy efficiency and new technologies.

According to the statement, the two countries have identified oil and gas, nuclear energy, energy efficiency, and cleaner energy (including renewables) as priority areas where they will work together to advance longer-term mutual interests.

The statement said that China and Canada will work to promote cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including Canada's oil sands and in uranium resources. The two countries will encourage companies to set up partnerships in these sectors.

The statement said the two countries are committed to promoting efficient, cleaner and renewable energy. Both will actively encourage and support the government, academic and research institutions, non-governmental organizations, state-owned enterprises and the private sector pursue joint projects and initiatives in these areas.

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will maintain regular dialogue through the Canada-China Joint Working Group on Energy Cooperation, under the auspices of their 2001 Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Energy.