Chinese President Hu Jintao met on Friday with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is in Beijing to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Chinese President Hu Jintao met on Friday with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is in Beijing to attend the seventh Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM).

Hu called on both sides to map out plans for high-level exchanges through next year, strengthen strategic dialogue, consultation and coordination on key global issues and regional concerns, and cooperate more closely within multilateral scope including the United Nations.

He urged the two sides to properly handle issues of core interests and concerns, continuously deepen political trust, and promote substantial cooperation in economy and trade and new fields.

The president also called for increased cultural exchanges and tourism ties in a bid to promote understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

Next year will be the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and both sides should take the chance to push forward Sino-French relations to a higher level, Hu said.

Sarkozy said he always believes that China is France's strategic partner. The two countries should further cooperation in all fields and jointly hold successful celebrative activities marking the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to further advance bilateral ties.

Hu expressed gratitude to France, when it held the rotating European Union presidency, for its unique role and active cooperation with the seventh ASEM.

Sarkozy said the summit was held just in time amid the international financial crisis. He expressed the belief that Asian and European nations will strengthen coordination and cooperation in stabilizing the global financial market.

(Xinhua News Agency October 24, 2008)