Qi Jianguo meets with French guests

Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), met with Reignier, director of the Regional Bureau under the General Staff of the French Armed Forces who came to China to attend the 9th working dialogue between the Chinese and French general staff headquarters, and his party on the afternoon of January 16, 2013 in Beijing.

Qi Jianguo expressed that France is the first western power to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. China-France relations have made great strides since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 49 years ago. Currently, the two sides are jointly committed to developing a new-type comprehensive strategic partnership featuring mutual trust and mutual benefit, maturity and stability, and global orientation. The bilateral relations are developing steadily in the direction pointed out by leaders of the two countries.

Qi Jianguo also said that the friendly and cooperative relations between the Chinese and French militaries have been developing smoothly in recent years as evidenced by fruitful exchanges and cooperation at all levels and in all fields. The Chinese side attaches importance to its relations with France, and is willing to make joint efforts with the French side to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields including military and promote in-depth development of the bilateral relations.

Reignier said that this was his second visit to China. He wished the upcoming 9th working dialogue between the Chinese and French general staff headquarters a great success. The French military is willing to work together with the Chinese military to further deepen the bilateral friendly and cooperative relations on the basis of equality, mutual benefit and reciprocity.