Chinese President Jiang Zemin held talks with French President Jacques Chirac Monday afternoon in Beijing.

Jiang said that during Chirac's visit to China, the two presidents had an extensive, in-depth and frank exchange of views on Sino-French relations and major international issues, adding that he personally believes that the talks were "good and fruitful", and the two sides shared identical or similar views on many issues.

During the two-day talks, both sides advocated multi-polarity, believing that it is the trend of times, and it benefits world peace and stability and reflects the common aspirations and appeal of a vast majority of countries and peoples.

Economic globalization is developing rapidly, which will bring about common prosperity and progress for both developed and a large number of developing countries, therefore, China and France are willing to work together to build up a just and reasonable international order politically and economically, they said.

Both believed that the development of international situation once again proves that the United Nations plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining international peace and security, and it is imperative to further reinforce the UN's role and maintain the authoritativeness of the UN Security Council.

The arms race still poses a major threat to the international peace, and all the countries should abide by the existing international arms control and disarmament treaties, they agreed.

Meanwhile, the international community is facing an increase in global problems, the two presidents said, adding that this requires joint efforts by all countries, including China and France, to strengthen cooperation in environmental protection, combat drug trafficking, illegal immigration and transnational organized crimes.

They reaffirmed that as the world situation is undergoing major and profound changes, China and France should promote coordination and cooperation in international affairs, consolidate and strengthen their comprehensive partnership oriented toward the 21st century, maintain contacts between leaders of both countries, and promote mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

The two countries have many common interests and enjoy good prospects for cooperation, they said, adding that as long as the two sides approach their relationship from a strategic and long-term perspective and adhere to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, especially respecting each other's concerns, the Sino-French relationship will be raised to a new high in the 21st century.

The leaders of the two countries agreed that China and France will hold a series of cultural activities in each other's country to promote the mutual understanding between the two peoples and enhance cultural, science and technology, economic and trade exchanges.

Chirac noted that he is very moved by the Chinese hospitality, adding that, his China trip has generated positive results.

Both the bilateral talks with Jiang in Yangzhou on Saturday and the China-European Union (EU) Leadership Summit today have been successful, Chirac noted.

In the past few days, a series of important meetings have been held including the Asia-Europe Meeting, the China-European Union (EU) Leadership Summit, and the summit between France and China, said Chirac.

All these events mark an important moment in EU-China and France-China relations, he said, adding that they will surely push forward the bilateral ties.

Jiang noted that Chirac's China trip, although short, has been meaningful and fruitful.

"We have deepened the understanding between us and widened our consensuses," Jiang said, adding that it is very important to further the cooperation between China and France in various areas.

"I think the visit was very successful," Jiang told the French guests, saying that he hopes the two sides will join efforts to push forward Chinese-French ties.

After the talks, Jiang and Chirac attended the signing ceremonies of several documents between the two countries, the agreement of setting up hotline telephone between the two heads of state, and three protocols concerning the quarantine of China's imports of French pork, chicken, and apples.

Prior to the talks, Jiang held a welcoming ceremony for Chirac.

(People’s Daily 10/24/2000)