国内英语新闻:Chinese, French presidents vow to boost bilateral ties

With more than 30,000 Chinese students studying in France, China is one of the countries that have the largest number of students in his country, said Sarkozy.

France has always been supportive on the lift of the European Union's arms embargo on China, he said.

China plays an indispensable role in world affairs and the French side is willing to enhance coordination and cooperation with China on international affairs, said the French president.

Hu said the Chinese side is ready to maintain communication with France on efforts to push for cooperation among members of the Group of 20 (G20) as France is to take over the rotating G20 presidency.

Sarkozy said the French side is ready to cooperate with China closely within the G20 framework and to enhance communication and coordination on issues such as raw material prices and climate change, and on efforts to push forward reform of the international monetary system.

The two presidents attended a signing ceremony of several cooperation documents following their meeting.

Hu has also met Senate leader Gerard Larcher and National Assembly Speaker Bernard Accoyer, to exchange views on ties between the two countries' legislatures.

Sarkozy hosted a welcome banquet for Hu on Thursday evening.

Hu, who arrived earlier in the day for his second state visit to France, also met with staff of the Chinese embassy in France, representatives of Chinese institutions in France, overseas Chinese and students.