On February 10, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with a France-China friendship delegation headed by former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

Premier Wen expressed welcome for Raffarin and his friendship delegation to come here for the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations. Wen said the decision made by the older generation of leaders of the two countries 45 years ago to establish China-France diplomatic ties showed their outstanding strategic vision and political courage. The establishment of Sino-French diplomatic ties benefited both peoples and also exerted great influence on the world political situation, he said. With the joint efforts of both sides, China and France, as two big powers with different social system and cultural background, have established their comprehensive strategic partnership, which is a treasure deserving to be cherished.

As to current difficulties in Sino-French ties, Premier Wen Jiabao said the blame did not lie with China. He urged France to take earnest actions and actively and positively respond to China's major core concerns. "We will not change the basic principles of adherence to mutual respect, equality and mutual benefits and non-interference in each other's internal affairs," Wen said, noting that the policy of promoting friendly bilateral relations and the determination to advance Sino-EU mutually beneficial cooperation will not change. Wen expressed the hope that Raffarin and people from all circles in France would continue efforts to improve and develop bilateral relations.

Raffarin said France attaches great importance to developing comprehensive strategic partnership with China. "France sticks to the one-China policy, respects and supports China's sovereignty, reunification and territorial integrity," Raffarin said. The issues concerning Tibet were China's internal affairs, Raffarin said, noting that France does not intend to infringe upon China's major core interest. France had fully recognized the sensitivity and serious consequences of related issues. France attached great importance to China's positions and would take practical action to restore political mutual trust and promote the improvement and growth of bilateral relations, he said. Raffarin said his country was ready to increase cooperation with China to jointly cope with the global financial crisis and other challenges.

Raffarin and his delegation were here on a visit to China from Feb. 8 to Feb. 14 at the invitation of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs.