China-France ties "opened a new page" as Sarkozy pays state visit

Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) shakes hands with French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 28, 2010. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
Chinese President Hu Jintao said Wednesday China-France ties have "opened a new page" as French President Nicolas Sarkozy pays his second state visit to China.

At a joint press conference with Sarkozy in Beijing, Hu told reporters he had accepted Sarkozy's invitation to visit France "at a time convenient for both sides."

Hu and Sarkozy held about 50 minutes of private talks before starting their formal, large-scope talks which Hu described as "candid, friendly and productive" and reaching "many important agreements."

Sarkozy arrived in Xi’an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Wednesday morning to begin his three-day state visit.

It is Sarkozy's fourth trip to China and his second state visit as French president. He paid his first state visit to China six months after taking office in May 2007. He attended the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games and took part in the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting held in Beijing in 2008.

FOUR-POINT PROPOSAL FOR BILATERAL TIES

To further upgrade the China-French comprehensive strategic partnership, Hu made a four-point proposal at his talks with Sarkozy. Hu said China hopes to work with France to maintain high-level exchanges and dialogue and consultations on major issues of common concern.

Hu also suggested both sides boost pragmatic cooperation. He said in addition to cooperation in traditional fields, the two sides should actively promote cooperation in energy saving, environmental protection, new energy, agriculture and farm produce processing, and among small and medium size businesses to seek long-term, stable and reciprocal common development.

The two countries should strengthen cultural exchanges, facilitate language education, two-way travel, and dialogue between each other's media and think tanks, Hu added.

He said China and France are expected to together meet local and global challenges to achieve a peaceful and stable international environment, citing reform of the international financial system, improving the global economic governance structure and coping with climate change.


【1】 【2】