Chinese Vice Premier Starts Visit to FranceThe trip is aimed at promoting mutual understanding, broadening common consensus and enhancing cooperation to facilitate the continuous progress of bilateral relations, Li said in a written statement delivered at the airport of Poitiers, 330 kilometers southwest of Paris. Li flew in from Tbilisi at the conclusion of a three-day official visit to Georgia. The vice premier said he is looking forward to exchanging views with French leaders on bilateral ties and international issues of common concern. During the visit, he will also meet people from such fields as economy, science and technology, education and culture. He expressed confidence that the visit will be a complete success thanks to the considerate arrangements by the hosts. Li said both China and France have made outstanding contributions to human civilization and as permanent members of the UN Security Council, the two countries play significant roles and shoulder important responsibilities in international affairs. The consolidation and development of the comprehensive partnership between China and France not only serve the fundamental interests of the two peoples, but are also conducive to world peace and stability, Li said. The vice premier said Sino-French ties have witnessed an excellent momentum in recent years, with the frequent exchange of high-level visits between the two countries. The political ties between China and France are becoming closer and closer and the two countries have strengthened their cooperation and consultations in international affairs, Li said. With a solid foundations and great potentials, Sino-French ties have immensely broad vistas, he added. France is the last leg of Li's three-nation Eurasia tour, which has taken him to Georgia and Uzbekistan. |
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