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HALIFAX — Just days after saying Canada’s ties with China have hit “rock bottom”, China’s ambassador is praising Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil as “a great friend.”

Lu Shaye made the comment during a photo opportunity that was held before the diplomat met Wednesday with the premier and several members of his cabinet.

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“I think Nova Scotia and Mr. McNeil is on the forefront of co-operation with China amid all provinces in Canada,” Lu told reporters, who were not given the chance to ask questions during the photo session.

Lu was previously in Halifax for meetings with provincial officials in November 2017, as the province pushed to expand its trade ties with China.

“I come to Halifax, Nova Scotia to meet again with my great friend Premier McNeil to host together the second working dialogue between the Chinese embassy and the provincial government of Nova Scotia,” he said. “I’m sure that the dialogue today will also be fruitful.”