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France Says Chirac's China Visit Aims at Reinforcing European-Asian Ties
France said on Tuesday that the forthcoming visit to China by President Jacques Chirac is aimed at reinforcing the relations between Europe and Asia, which is a strategic objective of France.
French presidential spokeswoman Catherine Colonna said at a press briefing that Chirac will talk with Chinese leaders issues ranging from China's adhesion to the World Trade Organization (WTO) to economic and trade relations.
"This visit will allow (France and China) to continue the dialogue on many subjects, economic and also political subjects, security and stability, human rights and international questions," she said.
"It is this indispensable dialogue which will allow us to push forward the mutual understanding. It is to encourage the opening of China to the world and the continuation of economic reforms and seeking better ways for this great country to integrate into the world of tomorrow," she added.
Chirac is due to start a one-day official visit to China next Monday, during which he will attend the third Europe-China Summit. France is the current rotating presidency state of the European Union (EU).
Before that, Chirac will make an official visit to South Korea and attend a summit meeting later this week in Seoul between EU and Asian countries, which will be attended by heads of state and government from 15 EU countries and 10 Asian countries.
The spokeswoman also said that Europe intends to strengthen the relations with Asia, as they are relatively weak in the triangle relations between Europe, America, and Asia.
Chirac will be accompanied by the European Commission President Romano Prodi and the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solona during his Asia tour, which will begin on Thursday.
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