On November 6, Vice-President Hu Jintao met with French Premier Lionel Jospin.

Hu first conveyed to Jospin the cordial greetings from Premier Zhu Rongji. He said that with care and support of the leaders of the two countries and joint efforts of the two governments and personages from all circles, Sino-French relations are deepening, with frequent high-level exchange of visits and important contacts, new fruits in cooperation in all areas and growing trade volume. Cooperation in scientific, technological and education fields also bears remarkable results. The two countries jointly hosted some large-scale cultural exchange activities, and will set up cultural centers in each other's country and launch the Year of Culture. Sino-French all-round partnership has entered a new stage of development.

Hu pointed out that both China and France are old countries with a long history and brilliant culture. Today, as permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France are playing an important role on the international stage. We stand for a diversified world, and share extensive common interests on many major international issues concerning peace and development. Facing current new international situation, China and France should further strengthen political, economic, scientific and technological, and cultural cooperation, strengthen consultation and coordination in international affairs and try to bring bilateral relations to a new high.

Jospin said that China is a big country of world influence and plays an increasingly important role in international affairs. France attaches great importance to and work for developing all-round relations with China. China has become one of France's most important economic partners. France admires China's great achievements in its modernization drive and congratulates China on its upcoming accession to the WTO. France hopes hat the France-China all-round partnership set by the leaders of the two countries will be consolidated and deepened in the new century.

The two sides also had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral economic cooperation and anti-terrorism issue. Jospin also asked Hu to convey his good wishes to Premier Zhu Rongji.

After the meeting, Hu attended a luncheon hosted by Jospin.