Wen: China pursues long-term, stable relations with France

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 26, 2007. [Xinhua Photo]

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (R) meets with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 26, 2007. [Xinhua Photo]

China is committed to long-term, all-round and stable relations with France in order to contribute to world peace and prosperity, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday.

"The development of Sino-French relations is strategic, comprehensive and stable," Wen told French President Nicolas Sarkozy who is paying his first visit to China as president.

Wen said China and France enjoyed solid political foundations and mutually reciprocal economies, as well as close cultural exchanges.

Over the past decades, because of the strategic consideration, the two countries have improved political trust and increased common interest, Wen said.

He said China valued relations with France and would further the all-round and strategic partnership.

Wen said China and France had conducted fruitful economic and trade cooperation and achieved a win-win deal. The two sides should enhance the cooperation on aviation, environmental protection and agriculture, he said.

Sarkozy said France supported China's development and hoped China would play a bigger role in safeguarding world peace.

He said France valued China's concern on relevant issues, and would strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China based on equality and mutual respect.