Chinese President Hu Jintao's coming visit to France will help the two countries consolidate consensus on bilateral ties and major international issues, Chinese Ambassador to France Kong Quan said Monday.

Kong made the remarks during a joint interview by Chinese media. He said Hu's visit, slated for Nov. 4-6, showed Sino-French relations were going into a new period of all-round, healthy and rapid development.

In the face of complicated and profound changes in the international situation, Hu and his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, would discuss how to work together to highlight the strategic nature of the partnership between the two countries, Kong said.

The two countries were now enjoying accelerated development of comprehensive and sound bilateral ties with increasing exchanges in politics, trade and economy and culture and science, the ambassador said.

Drastic changes in the world political and economic situation made France and China realize the importance of reinforcing mutual understanding and communication, as well as the necessity to deepen cooperation in a bid to safeguard world peace and development as well as the long-term interests of their respective countries, he said.

Kong said that enhanced bilateral exchanges and cooperation and consolidated partnership between China and France was in line with their fundamental interests as well as their expectations.

Since the two countries differed in national condition, social system,stage of economic development and culture and history, it was natural for them to have certain different views and stands, he said.

"What's more important is that the leaders and peoples of the two nations agree to promote candid dialogue and exchanges to enhance understanding and trust on the basis of mutual respect."

Meanwhile, they should also attach importance to each other's core interests and major concerns, Kong stressed.

According to the ambassador, the two sides were ready to pledge joint efforts to ensure a sustained and sound development of friendly bilateral ties and cooperation.

With regard to bilateral economic ties, Kong said bilateral trade between China and France had been growing rapidly on a reciprocal basis.

Trade and economic cooperation between the two had seen an average annual growth rate of about 18 percent over the past 10 years, he said.

The rapid growth in bilateral trade reflected the interdependence and complementary nature of the two economies, he said.

Great efforts should be made in three major areas to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation, he said.

Firstly, the two countries should deepen cooperation in such traditional areas as aviation, energy and transport, Kong said.

Bilateral cooperation in emerging fields such as finance, new energy, new material, low-carbon technology and sustainable development should also be stepped up, he said.

The ambassador also highlighted the importance of carrying out cooperation at the level of regional governments.

Regarding the upcoming G-20 summit in Seoul, Kong said France and China had maintained good cooperation within the framework.

He also called for countries around the world to strengthen cooperation and implement the consensus reached at the previous G-20 summits to consolidate global economic recovery.