China hopes the upcoming visit of French President Jacques Chirac in October will promote Sino-French and Sino-European comprehensive strategic partnership up to a higher stage, President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Wednesday.

Hu made the remark during a telephone conversation with French President Jacques Chirac Wednesday evening.

The two presidents sent congratulations to each other on the superb performance of both countries' athletes in the just-concluded Athens Olympic Games. Chirac said he believes China will score great success in 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Chirac also said he is satisfied with the development of bilateral relations, and is looking forward to his China trip in October.

Hu said Sino-French relations have maintained a sound development momentum. The two countries have continuously enhanced their mutual trust, deepened strategic cooperation and expanded cooperation in various fields, he noted.

He said he looks forward to Chirac's state visit to China next month and his inauguration of the "French Culture Year in China".

The two leaders also had an exchange of views on the Middle East and other issues.

(Xinhua News Agency September 2, 2004)