French President Sarkozy kicks off China visit, stressing close ties

Source: Xinhuanet | 11-26-2007 08:10

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrives in Beijing Sunday afternoon for his first state visit to China since taking office in May and is warmly welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at the Beijing Capital International Airport. (Xinhua Photo)

BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Beijing Sunday afternoon for his first state visit to China since taking office in May, emphasizing close bilateral links.

"Our two countries enjoy very close political ties and energetic economic links," the French president told a business forum on Sunday evening.

He expressed confidence about future bilateral cooperation in politics, economy, technology and other fields.

He said that he appreciated China's constructive role in international affairs, especially its positive contribution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Darfur issue.

The 52-year-old Sarkozy encouraged more French companies to invest in China and explore win-win cooperation with their Chinese counterparts.

Sarkozy's arrival in Beijing was preceded by a brief trip to the former imperial capital of Xi'an in northwest China to visit the Terra Cotta (Qin Dynasty) Museum, a world-renowned site. He mixed with local residents and was escorted into the trenches to view the clay soldiers.

In the afternoon, Sarkozy, accompanied by a 200-member delegation of government officials, entrepreneurs and journalists, was warmly welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi at the Beijing Capital International Airport.