Hollande hopes for closer France-China ties

PARIS - France and China would launch a new round of cooperation and exchanges to further their historic relations, French President Francois Hollande said Monday.

French President Francois Hollande receives a gift made of jade from Buon Huong Tan, deputy mayor of the 13th district of Paris on Monday. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Addressing a reception marking the Chinese Lunar New Year, also celebrated in some other Asian nations, Hollande said some cabinet members have visited China after the new French government was sworn in last May.

A number of French entrepreneurs are developing their business in China, an important country in the world, he said, adding that he would also pay a visit to China this year.

Hollande voiced hope that France would establish a mutually beneficial relationship with China to boost its economic growth, saying his country looks forward to investment from Chinese enterprises.

Congratulating Asians, including overseas Chinese in France, on the Lunar New Year, he said various festivities had been organized across the country in celebration of the Year of the Snake.

The president praised overseas Chinese' active participation in the French social life, saying he was deeply impressed by the Lunar New Year celebrations in 2012 when he was a presidential candidate.

It is important for France and Asian nations to cooperate in the field of language education and culture, as more and more French students are attracted by China and the Chinese culture, he said.

Some 300 Asians, most of whom are Chinese, attended the reception in the Elysee Palace.