Zhu said that with efforts from leaders of the two countries, Sino-French relations have had continuous and in-depth development in recent years and there have been fruitful results of bilateral cooperation in such fields as economy, trade and culture.

Noting that China and France share common points on many international and regional issues, Zhu pointed out that China will continue to strengthen consultation and cooperation in various fields with France so as to make contributions to world peace, stability and development.

He stressed that the Chinese side attaches importance to Sino-French cultural exchanges, citing the cultural year activities to be held and the cultural centers to be set up in the two countries.

It will add fresh vitality to bilateral relations, added Zhu.

He pointed out that differences between the cultures of the east and the west make it necessary for the two sides to enhance exchanges, and it will help promote the diversity of the world cultures.

Echoing Zhu, Chirac expressed the hope to strengthen bilateral strategic dialogue and consultation on international issues, as well as his satisfaction with the preparations for hosting the Chinese cultural year in France.

He said he is convinced that with joint efforts from both sides, the cultural year activities to be held in the two countries will succeed.

He also voiced his hope that France and China will continue to strengthen cooperation in energy, communications and aviation, and said France is ready to transfer technologies to China.

After the meeting, Chirac hosted a luncheon in honor of Zhu.

Zhu arrived here Thursday morning for a three-day official visit to France at the invitation of French President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.

France is the last leg of Zhu's European visit.

Before arriving here, Zhu visited Austria and Denmark where he attended the Fourth Asia-Europe summit and the Fifth China-EU Summit.

(People's Daily September 27, 2002)