Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Paris on Wednesday met with
French National Assembly Speaker Jean-Louis Debre and Foreign
Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.
During talks with Debre, Li spoke highly of the frequent
exchanges of visits between Chinese and French parliaments, saying
they contributed to deepening political trust, rapid development of
economic cooperation and cultural activities between the two
countries. The visits also played an active role in boosting
friendship between the two peoples and nations.
He hoped that increasing numbers of French parliament members
could visit China.
Debre said France and China have good relationships at both
government and parliament level.
The Chinese Year in France and the French Year in China helped
the French people to know better both China's history and its
modern culture, he said.
The French speaker also said he and French National Assembly
would continue to do their best for the development of
French-Chinese ties.
During the talks between Li and Douste-Blazy, held later
Wednesday, both sides agreed to put into effect the consensus
reached between President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques
Chirac, and continue to promote cooperation in the fields of
railways, energy and aeronautics.
Also on Wednesday, Li talked with Brigitte Girardin, French
minister for Cooperation, Development and French-speaking
Communities, over African development issues.
On Tuesday, Li telephoned Gabonese Foreign Minister Jean-Ping to
exchange views over bilateral ties, the Sino-African relationship
and reforms of the UN.
Li also met with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane
Gadio, who stopped off in Paris on his way to a visit of Cuba.
(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2006)
