Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Paris on Wednesday met with French National Assembly Speaker Jean-Louis Debre and Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy.

 

During talks with Debre, Li spoke highly of the frequent exchanges of visits between Chinese and French parliaments, saying they contributed to deepening political trust, rapid development of economic cooperation and cultural activities between the two countries. The visits also played an active role in boosting friendship between the two peoples and nations.

 

He hoped that increasing numbers of French parliament members could visit China.

 

Debre said France and China have good relationships at both government and parliament level.

 

The Chinese Year in France and the French Year in China helped the French people to know better both China's history and its modern culture, he said.

 

The French speaker also said he and French National Assembly would continue to do their best for the development of French-Chinese ties.

 

During the talks between Li and Douste-Blazy, held later Wednesday, both sides agreed to put into effect the consensus reached between President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques Chirac, and continue to promote cooperation in the fields of railways, energy and aeronautics.

 

Also on Wednesday, Li talked with Brigitte Girardin, French minister for Cooperation, Development and French-speaking Communities, over African development issues.

 

On Tuesday, Li telephoned Gabonese Foreign Minister Jean-Ping to exchange views over bilateral ties, the Sino-African relationship and reforms of the UN.

 

Li also met with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio, who stopped off in Paris on his way to a visit of Cuba.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 9, 2006)