Chinese President Hu Jintao has proposed greater cooperation with France on nuclear energy, aviation and aerospace as part of a four-point plan for the development of relations between the two countries.

 

During talks in Beijing on Monday morning with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Hu outlined the points in his proposal.

 

The first point in the proposal was intended to deepen bilateral political relations and enhance strategic mutual trust.

 

The two sides should maintain high-level exchanges and contacts, continue to strengthen important dialogue and consultation mechanism building, and understand and support each other on major issues concerning each other's national interests.

 

The second was to further strengthen multi-lateral cooperation to jointly meet challenges.

 

The Chinese side will conduct strategic dialogue and cooperation with the French side, and strengthen consultation and coordination on global issues and in major international affairs, so as to jointly push forward the building of a harmonious world with lasting peace and common prosperity.

 

The third was to further expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

 

The Chinese side will enhance cooperation with the French side in such fields as nuclear energy, civil aviation and aerospace, railways, finance, telecommunications, environmental protection, agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

The two sides should properly address the concerns of each other in the principles of dialogues on an equal footing, friendly consultations and reciprocity.

 

The fourth is to further bilateral cultural exchanges. The two sides should continue to promote exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science, technology, sports and tourism.

 

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Beijing Sunday afternoon for his first state visit to China since taking office in May.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 26, 2007)