From February 7 to 8, 2006, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, who was on an official visit to France, held meetings respectively with French National Assembly Speaker, Foreign Minister and other officials in Paris and both sides exchanged views on further developing bilateral relations, as well as other issues.

During his talks with French National Assembly Speaker Jean Louis Debre on February 7, Li said that both countries have witnessed close high-level exchanges, deepened mutual political trust, rapid development of economic and trade cooperation and dynamic cultural contact. The exchanges between the National People's Congress (NPC) of China and the National Assembly of France have played a positive role in advancing the friendship between both peoples and pushing for all-round development of bilateral relations. China welcomes more French parliament members to visit China. Debre said that the two governments and parliaments have maintained sound relations and the activities of the "Year of Culture" have given French people a better understanding of China's past and present. He himself is a friend of China and his country is a friend of China too. The French National Assembly will continue its efforts for the development of bilateral relations.

On the same day, Li also held talks with French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy. Both sides indicated that they will try to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries on bilateral cooperation, make good preparations for their exchange of visits and continue to push for bilateral cooperation in the areas of railway, energy and aviation industry.

On February 8, Li met with Minister Delegate for Cooperation, Development and Francophony Brigitte Girardin and both sides exchanged views on the issue of African development. On February 7, Li also made a phone conversation with Gabonese Foreign Minister Jean Ping in Paris and they exchanged views on bilateral relations, China-Africa relations, the reform of the UN and other issues. Li also met on February 8 with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, who stopped over in Paris on his way to Cuba.