Xi, Hollande pledge to open new era for bilateral ties

China, France vow to strengthen dialogue, promote co-op?

PARIS -- The upgrade of China-France relations to a close and lasting comprehensive strategic partnership will open a brilliant new chapter in bilateral ties, Chinese foreign minister said in Paris on Thursday.

Wang Yi, who is in Paris for a China-France relations seminar, said in an address that the decision made by visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his counterpart Francois Hollande on Wednesday to elevate bilateral relations was of milestone significance."It will certainly open a more brilliant new chapter in the history of China-France relations," he said. According to the Chinese foreign minister, China-France relations have a distinct strategic, contemporary and global characteristic, and its influence has far exceeded bilateral relations.

"The new era requires us to act as major countries and initiate more common proposals regarding the international order, the international relations and global rules," said Wang.

China and France also need to strengthen communication and coordination on major global issues and regional hotspots, work together to unveil more high-tech products made by both countries, and promote cultural exchange and cooperation to inject new vigor into their respective cultural traditions, said Wang.

"We are confident that the French people will stand with the Chinese people, and that China-France friendship will become even deeper and brighter in the future," he said.

Wang's remark came as President Xi pays a state visit to France from Tuesday to Friday. The seminar was held alongside Xi's visit, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.