China expects French president's visit to elevate relations

BEIJING, April 19 (Xinhua) -- China hopes French President Francois Hollande's upcoming visit will boost bilateral relations, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said Friday.

"China expects the visit to enhance strategic mutual trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, increase communication on international issues and bring bilateral relations to a new high," spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a daily press briefing.

Hollande will pay a state visit to China from April 25 to 26, with stops in Beijing and Shanghai.

President Xi Jinping will hold talks with Hollande. Premier Li Keqiang and Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, will also meet him.

"Relevant departments on both sides are discussing matters related to economics, trade, environmental protection, science, technology and education in order to ensure that the visit produces related agreements," Hua said.

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