On February 7, 2006, French President Jacques Chirac and Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin met respectively with visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Paris and both sides indicated that they will further push for development of bilateral friendly cooperative relations.

Chirac asked Li to convey his New Year congratulations to the Chinese people. He said that both countries have maintained very sound political, economic and cultural relations. He looked forward to a visit to China within this year to further push for development of bilateral relations. France resolutely pursues the one-China policy and will continue to play a driving role in resolving issues of China's concern in China-EU relations. France hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in promoting African development and other major international issues.

When meeting with Li, de Villepin pointed out that France has maintained sound political relations with China and through candid dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation bilateral strategic partnership has been continuously consolidated. Bilateral cooperation in the areas of energy and railway has made smooth progress and enjoys broad prospect. France hopes to steadily deepen bilateral relations.

Li said that recent years have witnessed sound and fruitful cooperation between both sides in the areas of nuclear energy, aviation, railway and space. China is delighted with having such a strategic partner as France and would like to continuously deepen the foundation of bilateral cooperation, expand cooperative areas and strengthen coordination and cooperation in the Iranian nuclear issue, African development and other international affairs.

Li said that this year will be another busy one for bilateral relations and China will work with France to actively implement the consensus reached by the leaders of both sides so that their cooperation in various areas will score substantive achievements.