On the afternoon of December 22, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon at the Great Hall of the People.

Hu said that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Reviewing the past, Hu said the 45-year China-France diplomatic relations had overcome difficulties and moved forward despite vicissitude in international arena. The establishment of China-France comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004 provided a broad prospect for bilateral relations in the 21st century. "I've met twice with President Sarkozy on the sidelines of international conferences this year," Hu recalled. "We've reached important consensus on consolidating and developing China-France relationship, bringing it back to the track of sound and stable growth," Hu said.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and France share the same or similar views on many major international and regional issues, enjoy common interests and assume important responsibilities on international affairs, Hu said. Both countries should properly deal with sensitive issues in bilateral ties through dialogue and consultations based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, enhance political trust and expand pragmatic cooperation in an effort to bring bilateral comprehensive strategic relationship to a new high.

Fillon thanked for President Hu's meeting, saying bilateral relations were in rapid development after the meetings between the two presidents. The France-China relationship is a unique partnership and their bilateral cooperation is of long-term strategic significance. Fillon said both countries would have a promising prospect in the cooperation on nuclear energy, trade, science and technology, education and culture. Fillon expected both countries to jointly implement the consensus reached at the third financial summit of G-20 leaders, oppose trade protectionism, overcome the impacts of global economic and financial crisis, reform international financial system and build a new partnership. France is ready to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral ties, he added.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other officials attended the meeting.