图片说明

Chinese President Hu Jintao pays a three-day visit to France, during which the two countries forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in China-France relations.

Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Paris on January 26 to start a three-day state visit, in which he held talks with French leaders on bilateral relations and major international issues of common concern.

Upon the arrival at the airport, Hu said in a written speech that through this visit, he hopes to have an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and major international issues with Chirac and other French leaders and make extensive contacts with French people from all walks of life, so as to enhance mutual understanding, deepen bilateral friendly cooperation and promote China-France ties to a new high.

Noting the Chinese and French are both great nations, Hu said bilateral friendly contacts can long be traced back. Especially, since 1997 when the two nations forged comprehensive partnership, bilateral ties have entered a track of fast growth and contacts of personnel at all levels have been frequent, he said.

Exchanges and cooperation have been fruitful in the economic, trade, scientific, technological and cultural sectors, he said, adding bilateral coordination and cooperation in international affairs have also been strengthened in a continuous way.

It was the first visit to west Europe by China's head of state since the country's new leadership took office in early 2003. This tour coincided with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, and the Chinese Culture Year activitied in France, which served to further promote China-France ties in an all-round way.