Senior Chinese official, French FM vow to boost ties

State Councilor Dai Bingguo on Monday met with French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius, pledging to boost Sino-French ties.

Dai hailed the development of Chinese-French relations, adding that new opportunities have arisen for the development of bilateral cooperation.

He said a meeting between President Hu Jintao and his French counterpart Francois Hollande during last month's G-20 summit established a sound foundation for the future development of bilateral ties.

China will work with the new government of France to implement agreements between their leaders and steer the development of bilateral ties from a strategic perspective, he said.

He called on the two sides to enhance high-level exchanges, maintain strategic dialogues, increase mutual trust and deepen substantial cooperation under the principles of mutual respect and equality.

Dai also urged the French side to loosen restrictions on high-tech exports to China.

"Both China and France stand for the multipolarization of the world. We two states should enhance communication on international affairs, forge more agreements and strengthen coordination," Dai said.

Fabius said France and China bear a strong responsibility to safeguard world peace and stability.

Both states share common ground on many important issues, Fabius said, adding that his country treats its relations with China from a long-term point of view.

The new government of France expects to upgrade its cooperation with China in order to jointly tackle global challenges and boost bilateral ties, he said.

The two sides also exchanged views on European integration, the Syria and the Iranian nuclear, according to a press release from Dai's office.