China and France will further strengthen communication and cooperation in the UN Security Council to solve regional issues, said a joint statement released in Beijing on Thursday.

 

The statement, signed between Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques Chirac after their talks, said the two sides are happy with their close cooperation at the Security Council and on regional issues, and will make further efforts in this regard.

 

Both sides are satisfied with their participation in the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon, and hope the conflict in Lebanon can be permanently settled.

 

The two countries also called for adherence to Resolution 1696 passed by the Security Council on the Iran nuclear issue, according to the joint statement.

 

The joint statement said the two countries will keep in close and regular contact and work to find a peaceful solution of the Iran nuclear issue.

 

China and France also expressed serious concern over the nuclear test announced by North Korea on October 9, saying the test goes against the goal of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, as well as efforts of the international community to strengthen international non-proliferation.

 

The joint statement said the two countries support the Security Council Resolution 1718, and urge North Korea to abide by its commitment to denuclearization of the peninsula.

 

The two sides hope all parties will stick to peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue through dialogue and consultation, and strive for an early resumption of the six-party talks, the joint statement said.

 

The two countries also agree to keep close consultation and work together to realize denuclearization, peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and northeast Asia.

 

Chirac is in China on a four-day state visit at the invitation of President Hu.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 26, 2006)