Top political advisor Jia Qinglin said Monday that China, which always views its relations with France from a strategic perspective, is ready to further upgrade the Sino-French strategic partnership to a new level.  

In a meeting with Marseilles Mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin, Jia said that the political trust between China and France has further been strengthened thanks to the maintenance of frequent high-level visits between the two sides.

Jia, chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, also hailed the cultural exchanges between the two countries, saying such moves have help deepened the understanding and friendship between the people of both nations.

Jia also conveyed his greetings to French Senate President Christian Poncelet, saying that he looked forward to Poncelet's visit to China in September this year.

Gaudin, also vice president of the French Senate, is visiting China with a large delegation of members from the economic, cultural and sports fields.

The delegation arrived in Beijing Sunday. After a meeting with Jia, they will travel to Shanghai for attending the Marseilles Week to be held there.

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2005)