Chinese President Jiang Zemin met October 25 afternoon in Paris with French National Assembly President Laurent Fabius and Senate President Christian Poncelet.

　 Fabius said that France intends to further develop its relations with China because of the latter's prominent status in the world.

　 He said that he personally holds a deep respect for the Chinese people.

　 Fabius also said that deputies of the French National Assembly from all parties are impressed by and admire the achievements made by China in its socio-economic development, and they are convinced that China will play a more and more important role in the world.

　 Jiang said that the development of modern information technology cannot replace the face-to-face contacts between people, as the latter way of communication can better deliver the message and increase understanding.

　 He said that China has a long tradition of having contacts with France and the elder generation of Chinese revolutionaries, including Zhou Enlai, Deng Xiaoping and Chen Yi, all studied and worked in France in their youth times, and many Chinese intellectuals learned arts and literature in France.

　 Jiang expressed his hope that China and France have more contacts and increase mutual understanding.

　 During his meeting with Poncelet, Jiang said that he highly appreciates the efforts made by the French Senate in promoting exchange and cooperation with China.

　 He said that the parliaments of the two countries should make more frequent their contacts in order to increase the understanding and friendship between the people of the two countries.

　 Jiang said that ever since he arrived in France Friday, he has been in an atmosphere of friendship among the French friends.

　 Poncelet said that he believes President Jiang's visit will surely further promote the existing close French-Chinese relations. (Xinhua)