Xi calls for enriching Sino-French ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius (L) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing April 12, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping said Friday that China and France should deepen mutual trust, enhance cooperation and enrich bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in Beijing.

As nations with significant influence, China and France share the same or similar views on many issues, Xi said.

He called on the two sides to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthening coordination and cooperation on bilateral affairs and international issues, and make continuous efforts to enrich the content of Sino-French new-type comprehensive strategic partnership.

Xi said Chinese side attaches great importance to French president Francois Hollande's upcoming visit, and that he is expecting to exchange views with his counterpart on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common concern.

Xi said he expects Hollande's visit will help promote mutual understanding, increase consensus and expand cooperation and set the direction for the development of China-France relations.

Xi expressed his belief that the development of China-France relations benefits not only the two nations and the two peoples, but is also conducive to constructing new patterns for developed nations to work with emerging economies and developing nations, boosting China-European Union relations and making progress in the multi-polarization and democratization of the international relations.

Fabius said China and France both value independence in dealing with foreign affairs, and both are committed to pushing for world peace,stability and development.

The world needs France and China to enhance cooperation, said Fabius.

Fabius said President Hollande will be the first head of state from the Western world to visit China after the new Chinese leadership took office, adding this has fully showcased France's commitment to developing its ties with China.

Invited by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, Fabius is visiting China from April 12 to 13.