Chinese PM calls for closer parliamentary exchanges with France

 Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met here Tuesday with French parliamentary leaders, urging the two sides to boost interaction between their legislatures.

Close parliamentary exchanges and local-level cooperation constitute an important component of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, Li said during his meeting with Gerard Larcher, president of the French Senate.

Noting that a regular exchange mechanism has been set up between China's top legislature and the French Senate, Li said the Chinese side is willing to enhance communication, understanding and cooperation with the French side.

The premier also expressed the hope that the French Senate will support joint China-France cooperation with third parties.

For his part, Larcher pledged that the French Senate will support the two countries' cooperation with third parties and help boost bilateral political, economic and cultural exchanges under the spirit of former French President Charles de Gaulle, a pioneer who promoted the establishment of diplomatic ties between France and China.

When meeting with Claude Bartolone, speaker of the French National Assembly, Li said the French lower house has maintained close ties with China's top legislative body, which embodies the profound friendship between the two countries.

China and France, both with great culture and global influence, should further tap into their potential in people-to-people exchanges and enhance mutual learning between their civilizations, added the Chinese premier.

Li also called on the legislative bodies of both countries to conduct in-depth dialogues over national development, public welfare improvement and other subjects, so as to better understand each other and consolidate public support for bilateral relations.

For his part, Bartolone said the French National Assembly supports the friendship between France and China and is committed to strengthening bilateral people-to-people exchanges and pushing for new progress in France's and Europe's relations with China.

Li, who arrived here from Belgium after meeting with Belgian leaders and attending the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting, is now on an official visit to France.

During his stay, he will also pay a visit to the headquarters of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development.