Canada and China are working toward a new strategic partnership that could deliver what Prime Minister Mark Carney called “historic” gains by building on the strengths of both countries.

Carney made the remarks Friday during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017.

The trip comes as Ottawa seeks to repair relations with its second-largest trading partner after the United States, following months of diplomatic efforts to ease earlier tensions.

“It is important to start this new strategic partnership at a time of division,” Carney told Xi.

He urged both sides to focus on areas such as agriculture, agri-food, energy, and finance, saying those sectors could produce “historic gains” for both countries.

“That is where I believe we can make immediate and sustained progress,” Carney said.

Canada has been looking to diversify trade ties after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on some Canadian goods and suggested the longtime U.S. ally could become the 51st state.

China, also hit by U.S. tariffs since Trump returned to the White House last year, has signaled interest in deeper cooperation with a Group of Seven country in a region long seen as part of Washington’s sphere of influence.