Chinese premier pledges to deepen ties with France

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met here on Monday with French President Francois Hollande, saying the two countries should deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. During the meeting, Wen said that, as the first major Western country that established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, France has played an important role in the development of China-Europe relations in many aspects. In the face of the complex international situation at present, China and France should stick to a strategic and long-term perspective on their relations, maintain high-level contacts and deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership, the Chinese premier said. France has a strong capacity in science and technology and a solid industrial base, while China has huge market potential, Wen said, urging both sides to better capitalize on their advantages and demands to achieve a mutually-beneficial and win-win outcome. In order to reach that goal, Wen proposed that, first, China and France should develop comprehensive and balanced economic and trade relations. China doesn't pursue trade surplus, Wen said, adding it welcomes the French side to expand market in China and hopes France would keep trade open and fair. Second, the two countries should strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy and aviation, and jointly develop markets in third countries, he said. Third, China and France should expand cooperation in such sectors as new energy, energy conservation and environmental protection, innovation and design, and modern agriculture to make them new sources of economic growth, the premier said. Fourth, the two sides also should strengthen financial cooperation, Wen said. China will continue to help solve the European debt crisis through bilateral and multilateral channels, he said, expressing his belief that the European Union, with its own unremitting efforts and the international community's support, is surely able to overcome the difficulties and achieve new development. Hollande, for his part, said France and China share wide common interests, conduct fine cooperation, hold same views on many international and regional issues, and both advocate for a multipolar world. A sound bilateral relationship is vital to France, he said. France is very confident in China's development, the president said, voicing his hope that China will continue to hold confidence in France and Europe Hollande expressed his appreciation over Wen's proposal for boosting China's ties with France and Europe, and his willingness to make joint efforts with China in this regard. Wen currently is in Vientiane for the ninth annual Asia-Europe Meeting and an official visit to Laos.