Chinese, French foreign ministers hold talks in Beijing

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing Wednesday held talks with his French counterpart Philippe Douste-Blazy, agreeing to further exchanges and cooperation for a peaceful solution to the Iran nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiations.

Both sides have frequent dialogues and want to show determination to cooperate on this issue in a unified spirit, Douste-Blazy told reporters after his talks with Li.

The two sides also exchanged views on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue, development in Africa, the Darfur issue, and the Middle East peace process.

Li said China appreciates contributions made by the French side to push ahead China-Europe relations, and China always attaches great importance to developing friendly cooperation with France.

Douste-Blazy said France is satisfied with the development of bilateral ties and he hoped to maintain the strategic dialogue with China.

Douste-Blazy, who is here on a two-day visit, is expected to sign an agreement on promoting cooperation in traditional Chinese medicine on Thursday.

Source: Xinhua