Chinese President Hu Jintao said Wednesday that China will work with France to promote a positive and pragmatic G20 summit in order to help set the world economy on a path toward strong growth as soon as possible.

Hu made the remarks in a written interview with the French daily newspaper Le Figaro ahead of his attendance at the G20 summit, which is scheduled for Nov. 3 to 4 in Cannes, France.

He said China attaches importance to coordinating and cooperating with France within the G20 framework, and will support France in successfully hosting the Cannes summit.

"I will discuss promoting strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the world economy with the leaders of the other G20 member states during the summit. I am also looking forward to holding talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy again," Hu said.

He reviewed his state visit to France last November as well as two meetings with Sarkozy in Beijing in March and August this year, respectively.

China and France have experienced stable development of bilateral relations in recent years, and the two sides have enjoyed frequent high-level visits, fast-growing trade cooperation and active cultural and personnel exchanges. We also maintained close communication and coordination on major international and regional affairs, Hu said.

He called on the two countries, which are facing a complicated and changing international situation, to further strengthen coordination and cooperation and to jointly cope with global challenges, so as to make positive contributions to the world's peace, stability and prosperity.

In order to maintain the positive momentum of the development of bilateral relations, China will strengthen its exchanges and dialogues in all areas with France, deepen pragmatic cooperation in traditional areas such as nuclear power and aviation, expand cooperation in sustainable development, enhance cultural exchanges and host more student exchanges between the two countries, Hu said.