国内英语新闻:French PM meets Chinese state councillor on bilateral ties

PARIS, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- French Prime Minister Francois Fillon Tuesday met with visiting Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo on bilateral ties at the Matignon Palace in Paris.

    French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao had reached consensus on the development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations during their meeting in New York last month, which charted the orientation for further development of their bilateral ties, Fillon said.

    France would make joint efforts with China to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, deepen the strategic cooperation and boost cooperation in fields of nuclear power, aviation, environmental protection, new energy and small and medium-sized enterprises, Fillon said.

    For his part, Dai said China-France relations had developed smoothly on the whole since the two nations forged diplomatic ties45 years ago.

    China has treasured its ties with France and is ready to work with France to ensure that bilateral ties will further develop on the right direction, he said.

    He urged the two countries to handle their bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective, work hard to create and maintain a favorable atmosphere and environment for the development of China-France relations, and ensure the steady and sound development of their bilateral ties on the right track, he said.

    Dai left Beijing last Friday to visit Britain and France at the invitation of the two governments. He arrived in France on Tuesday.