Chinese president meets French Senate leader

PARIS, March 27 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is on a state visit to France, met here Thursday with French Senate President Jean-Pierre Bel.

Five decades ago, thanks to the extraordinary strategic thinking and political courage of their leaders, China and France reached the historic decision to establish diplomatic ties, Xi said.

Noting that friendship between peoples, practical cooperation and political mutual trust are key to the development of bilateral ties, Xi said the two countries should keep up the spirit of innovation and step up cooperation, so that their relationship can withstand various changes and tests, benefit their peoples, and make bigger contributions to world peace and prosperity.

Speaking of international affairs, he said multi-polarization, economic globalization, cultural diversification, and democratization of international relations are the defining trends of the times.

Meanwhile, the president expressed appreciation of the friendly China policy embraced by Bel and the French Senate, and conveyed his hope that French senators will actively support China-France cooperation.

For his part, Bel said Xi's visit comes at a time that marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and bears special historic significance.

He noted that both countries advocate multi-polarization, enjoy an ancient and splendid civilization, and have the will to strengthen cooperation.

The French Senate thinks highly of what China has accomplished in national development, and is willing to boost exchanges with the Chinese side, he added.

France is the second leg of Xi's ongoing Europe trip, which will also take him to Germany and Belgium. Before France, Xi visited the Netherlands and attended the third Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague.