Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) shakes hands with French President Jacques Chirac during a welcoming ceremony Hu hosts for Chirac's visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Oct. 9, 2004.

Chinese President Hu Jintao put forward proposals on promoting Sino-French ties in four aspects during his talks with visiting French President Jacques Chirac Saturday.

Firstly, Hu suggested that China and France enhance strategic dialogue and cooperation, enhance exchange between state leaders and forge a mechanism of annual meeting between the two countries'leaders.

Secondly, he proposed to strengthen the Sino-French economic and trade ties.

Active measures should be taken to consolidate and further Sino-French cooperation in aviation, spaceflight, communication and nuclear energy by transfer more technology and upgrade industrial cooperation, Hu said.

Cooperation between China and France in high-tech industry, small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture and environmental protection should also be expanded and strengthened, he said.

Thirdly, Hu said that the two countries should also enhance exchange and cooperation in culture, education and science and technology.

The two sides could learn from the experience of holding Chinese Culture Year in France and French Year in China and then explore new methods of furthering exchange and cooperation in those fields, Hu said.

Fourthly, Hu suggested that the two countries enhance coordination and cooperation in international and regional issues,promoting democracy in international relations and diversity in ways of world development.

Chirac said during the talks that he fully agrees with Hu on his proposals, noting that France will make joint efforts with China to enhance French-Chinese cooperation.

Chirac arrived in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province in southwest China, Friday evening, starting a five-day state visit to China as Hu's guest. He arrived in Beijing Saturday afternoon.

Besides Chengdu and Beijing, Chirac and his entourage will visit Shanghai and Hong Kong.