Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques Chirac agreed to strengthen strategic partnership between the two countries during their talks Monday after attending the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany.

During their talks, the two leaders hailed the smooth development of bilateral relations and agreed to enhance the comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

Hu said that with joint efforts, the Sino-French cooperation will achieve fruitful results.

Jacques Chirac, for his part, expressed satisfaction with the bilateral ties, saying that it is very important for the two countries to keep high-level contacts.

The French president reaffirmed his country's continued efforts to lift EU arms embargo against China.

Chirac said his government adheres to the one-China policy, adding that France's position on the Taiwan issue will remain unchanged.

The French president also briefed Hu about the on-going negotiations between the EU and Iran on the latter's nuclear issue.

The Chinese president said that China supports EU's efforts, hoping the two sides can resolve the issue at an early date. He said the final settlement of the nuclear issue will be conducive to peace and stability in the region.

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2005)