"France hopes to work with China in promoting partnership between our two nations," Raffarin said. China and France, both hoping to see a multi-polar world, share common positions on many international issues, he added.

Meanwhile, he urged further economic and trade links between the two countries, saying there was great potential. The French Prime Minister also called for further cooperation in the field of culture and education.

Tang praised the fast expanding cooperation in all fields between China and France, saying the development of bilateral relations has maintained momentum in recent years thanks to the close high-level contacts.

China and France, both influential in the world, should enhance cooperation in international affairs, said the Chinese foreign minister. On behalf of Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, he congratulated Raffarin on his recent appointment as the leader of the French government.

Chen Liangyu, mayor of Shanghai, attended the talk. Chen arrived in Paris with Tang earlier this week for Shanghai's bid for the World Expo 2010. The Bureau of International Exhibition (BIE) convened its 131st general assembly on Tuesday in the French capital.

Tang told Raffarin that the Chinese government would do its best to support Shanghai's bid.

Shanghai presented a theme of "Better City, Better Life" to stress the human aspect of environmental protection and sustainable development, Chen said. He added that Shanghai's success would promote local economic development as well as international cultural exchanges.

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2002)