On June 8, 2007, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Germany's Baltic resort of Heiligendamm, exchanging views on China-France comprehensive strategic partnership as well as major international and regional issues.

 

At the meeting with Sarkozy, Hu said China and France, both having a time-honored history and splendid culture, uphold and are committed to promoting world multipolarity and maintaining diversity of civilizations. Hu expressed satisfaction over the all-round and rapid development of the bilateral relationship. Since the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, political mutual trust has been growing, the strategic dialogue deepened, economic and trade cooperation expanded and cultural exchanges increased, the Chinese president said, adding that the two countries have also conducted sound coordination in international affairs.

 

Hu pointed out that the two countries have always viewed and advanced bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective. He raised a four-point proposal on the development of bilateral ties. First, the two countries should maintain high-level exchanges, he said. Second, Hu urged both sides to attach importance to each other's concerns. Both sides should continue to show understanding toward and offer mutual support for each other's concerns, he said, adding that China is ready to closely cooperate with France during its rotating EU presidency in the second half of next year and at the 7th ASEM Meeting and the 11th EU-China Summit to be held in China next year to ensure their success. Third, Hu also called on the two countries to deepen their pragmatic cooperation. Hu said the two sides should continue to promote cooperation of mutual benefits in energy, aviation, railways and other key areas, enhance cooperation on agriculture, small and medium sized enterprises and environmental protection and expand mutual investment and bilateral trade. Fourth, both sides should carry forward cultural tradition and promote humanistic exchanges, to build mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, he said.

 

Agreeing with Hu's views on bilateral ties, Sarkozy recalled with delight his friendly exchanges with China. He said he was satisfied with their two countries' cooperation in various fields, adding that there has been a strong momentum for bilateral economic and trade cooperation. Sarkozy said cultural exchanges are very important to promoting the development of bilateral ties and to building mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, adding his country is ready to strengthen cultural exchanges with China. He also said France will firmly adhere to the one-China policy.

 

The two leaders also exchanged views on Iran's nuclear issue and the issue of Sudan's Darfur. They agreed to maintain close contact and coordination over major international and regional issues to jointly seek solutions to relevant issues.

 

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan attended the meeting.