On September 26, 2002, Premier Zhu Rongji, who just arrived in France for an official visit, met with French President Jacques Chirac at the Presidential Residence in Paris. The two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations and international and regional issues of common concern.

Zhu conveyed to Chirac greetings from President Jiang Zemin. Chirac asked Zhu to pass on his greetings to President Jiang.

Zhu said that with efforts from leaders of the two countries, Sino-French relations have had continuous and in-depth development in recent years and there have been fruitful results of bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and culture. Noting that China and France share common points on many international and regional issues, Zhu pointed out that China will continue to strengthen consultation and cooperation in various fields with France so as to make contributions to world peace, stability and development. He stressed that the Chinese side attaches importance to Sino-French cultural exchanges, citing the cultural year activities to be held and the cultural centers to be set up in the capitals of the two countries. It will add fresh vitality to bilateral relations. He pointed out that differences between the cultures of the east and the west make it necessary for the two sides to enhance exchanges, and it will help promote the diversity of the world cultures.

Echoing Zhu's assessment of bilateral relations, Chirac expressed the hope to strengthen bilateral strategic dialogue and consultation on international issues, as well as his satisfaction with the active preparations for hosting the Chinese cultural year in France. He said he is convinced that with joint efforts from both sides, the cultural year activities to be held in the two countries will succeed. He also voiced his hope that France and China will continue to strengthen cooperation in energy, communications and aviation, and said France is ready to transfer technologies to China.