Premier Wen Jiabao holds talks with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin

On December 5, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council held talks with French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin in Paris. Both sides agreed to further bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership on the existing solid basis of bilateral relations and enhance such relations to a higher level. Wen made highly positive comments on bilateral relations. He said that in the new century, bilateral cooperation in various areas has been furthered and scored fruitful achievements. The closer bilateral relations are fully reflected in the following three aspects. First, bilateral strategic mutual trust has been built up and both sides have shown mutual understanding and support on issues of each other's concern and conducted active coordination and collaboration on major international issues. Second, the level of bilateral economic and technological cooperation has been steadily enhanced with the bilateral trade volume increasing progressively year by year. Third, cultural exchanges are unprecedentedly dynamic and the activities of holding the Year of Culture in each other have built up understanding and friendship between both peoples and brought along exchanges and cooperation in science & technology, tourism and other areas. China highly appreciates the French government for opposing "Taiwan independence" openly and unequivocally on many occasions on the Taiwan question and supporting China's policy of "one country, two systems".

Wen said that the steady and sound development of bilateral relations is attributed to the facts that leaders of the two countries have always grasped the development direction of bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, both sides share identical or similar propositions on major international issues related to world peace and development and both sides have strong aspiration and needs for cooperation in the areas of economy & trade, science & technology, culture and education. Wen emphasized that in the current complex and changeable international situation, the common interest and responsibility between both sides have increased. To consolidate and develop bilateral relations not only conforms to the needs of their respective development, but also is conducive to pushing for the development of China-EU and Asia-EU relations. Wen made the following five-point suggestions on the future development of bilateral relations.

First, to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges and exchange views in time on bilateral and major international issues. Both sides should strengthen the strategic dialogue mechanism and build up mutual political trust.

Second, to keep closer coordination and collaboration in international affairs, enhance cooperation level on the UN reform, counter-terrorism, anti-proliferation, poverty reduction and other major international issues and advance dialogue between different civilizations.

Third, to deepen economic and trade cooperation. China will expand cooperation with France in the areas of energy, aviation and aerospace, transportation, agriculture and environmental protection in the principle of equality and mutual benefits. China welcomes French businesses to actively expand the Chinese market. Both sides should properly handle issues emerging from trade relations in the principle of mutual understanding and accommodation.

Fourth, to actively conduct cultural exchanges and contact between young people and strive to establish a long-acting cultural cooperation mechanism. Both sides should give a full role to each other's cultural centers to spur on educational and tourist cooperation. Efforts should also be made to promote bilateral exchanges between young people and build up mutual understanding and friendship.

Fifth, to strengthen efforts to learn from each other's experience in social security, safety in production and other new areas.

De Villepin agreed with Wen's comments and proposals on bilateral relations. He said that bilateral relations are being strengthened and both sides have conducted in-dept cooperation in a range of important areas. France attaches great importance to and hopes to see enhanced bilateral long-term cooperation in the areas of aviation, nuclear energy, railway and telecommunications. Such platforms as the Beijing Olympics and Shanghai Expo can be used to expand bilateral exchanges. Both sides should also deepen cooperation in culture, tourism and exchanges between young people.

De Villepin noted that France will continue pushing for the development of EU-China relations and strengthen coordination and cooperation with China in major international and regional issues including counter-terrorism, anti-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the UN reform.

Following the talks, the two Prime Ministers attended the signing ceremony of bilateral cooperation programs and jointly met with the journalists.