On the afternoon of April 25, 2003, President Hu Jintao met with visiting French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, and they had a friendly conversation.

Hu said China-France relations have maintained a good momentum over recent years. There have been frequent exchanges of visits and close contacts between the leaders of the two countries. The two sides have been expanding their cooperation in politics, economy and trade, culture, science and technology, etc. with great achievements. The two countries have also conducted fruitful consultation and coordination concerning major international issues. China always views and develops China-France all-round partnership from a strategic high point of promoting multi-polarization and meeting the challenge of globalization head-on, maintaining world peace, and promoting common development.

Hu noted that EU has become an important force in the world and China pays great attention to its relations with EU, and supports its integration, adding that China hopes the expansion of EU will bring new opportunities for China-EU cooperation. China hopes France can play an active role in promoting relations between China and the European Union. China will continue to promote dialog with EU and strengthen exchanges and cooperation in trade and other areas.

During the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern.

Raffarin expressed thanks to President Hu for the meeting, conveying to him the cordial greetings of President Chirac. He said he visited China as planned to show the political will of France to strengthen political, economic and cultural relations with China. As permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, France and China share similar views and positions on many international issues. Raffarin said France hopes to keep constant consultation with China on relevant international issues. France maintains that such issues as the fight against terrorism, weapons proliferation and international hotspot issues should be resolved through diplomatic means and dialog. The French side is willing to continue to have frequent discussions with China over relevant international issues.