Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand met Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing as part of an effort by both countries to improve relations, which have been poor for years.

China announced preliminary anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola imports in August, a year after Canada said it would slap a 100% tariff on imports of Chinese EVs.

“The ministers discussed issues of respective sensitivity, such as agriculture and agri-food products, including canola, as well as seafood, meat and EVs,” the Canadian foreign ministry said in a statement.

“(They) agreed that regular and candid communication is essential to build trust, enhance cooperation and address respective concerns,” the ministry added.

An official Chinese readout of the meeting said Yi had told Anand that Beijing was willing to work with Canada to restart dialogue and exchanges at all levels and to promote the resolution of each nation’s legitimate concerns.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said today he expected to meet senior Chinese leaders soon but sidestepped a question about dropping tariffs on EVs in exchange for relief from the canola duties.