Premier Wen Jiabao arrives in Paris

On December 4, 2005, Chinese Premier of the Sate Council Wen Jiabao arrived in Paris in his special plane, kicking off a 4-day official visit to France.

Upon arrival, the French government held a welcoming ceremony for Wen at the airport. Premier Wen was warmly welcomed by French Foreign Minister Douste-Blazy and other French senior government officials, as well as the staff of the Chinese Embassy in France and representatives from Chinese-funded institutions, Chinese students studying in France and overseas Chinese there.

Wen conveyed friendly feelings and cordial greetings from the Chinese people to the French people through his written speech delivered at the airport.

He said that both countries enjoy a time-honored history and splendid culture and the friendship between both peoples goes back to ancient times. In recent years, bilateral political dialogue has been continuously deepened and both sides have maintained sound coordination and collaboration in international affairs and kept closer cooperation in the areas of economy, science & technology, culture and education, which has built up mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and Europe including France.

Wen said that he looked forward through this visit to exchanging in-depth views with French leaders on the issues of common interest, broadly engaging with friends from all walks of life, fulfilling the target of building up understanding, expanding consensus and promoting cooperation and pushing for continuous development of bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Earlier on the same day, Permier Wen visited Europe's Airbus Company in Toulouse on his way to Paris and attended the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Industrial Cooperation between the State Development and Reform Commission of China and the Airbus Company.

In Toulouse, Premier Wen also visited Astrium Satellite Company. French Foreign Minister Douste-Blazy accompanied Wen in the whole course of visits to these two high-tech businesses.

In Paris, Premier Wen also met with the staff of the Chinese Embassy in France and representatives from overseas Chinese in France, Chinese students studying there and Chinese-funded institutions.