On the eve of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's state visit to China, former French premier Jean-Pierre Raffarin was invited to speak at the closing ceremony of the Chinese-French Local Governments' Cooperation Forum in Bordeaux. Upon finishing his speech, Raffarin was to return to Paris immediately, for he would be accompanying President Sarkozy on his visit China the following day. As a result, we interviewed Mr. Raffarin on his way to the airport.
Raffarin has long been a great friend to the Chinese people, and has a profound understanding of and friendly sentiments towards China. In the year 2003, when SARS broke out in China, he made an unforgettable visit to China, and gave his support to the then epidemic-stricken country. Today, he is still involved in friendly Chinese-French relations; and his sincere and passionate speeches have won prolonged applause.
When touching on Sarkozy's visit to China, Raffarin gave three main purposes of the visit.
Firstly, France and China will continue their comprehensive strategic partnership that was founded by leaders from both sides. During Sarkozy's administration, friendly French-Chinese relations will develop in various areas. In the days to come, France and China will carry out multi-layered coordination and cooperation under the UN Security Council's framework.
Secondly, both countries will intensify economic cooperation. France takes the lead in areas such as nuclear energy, environmental protection, and aviation. France hopes to expand cooperation with China in these fields, and sign a large number of contracts.
Thirdly, both countries will cultivate the development between China and Europe. In the second half of 2008, France will act as the rotating president of the EU. Sarkozy vowed that he would use his personal influence to promote the recognition of China's status as a total market economy.
Additionally, the China-EU Summit will be held in France in November 2008. Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President Sarkozy will jointly preside over the Summit. He also hopes that the relations between France and China, as well as between Europe and China, will attain even better results through their mutual efforts.
Raffarin made a positive statement about China's booming economy: China has grown to be a dynamic engine for world economic growth. He added that China's development would not pose a threat to the world; but would be a force promoting world peace. Raffarin said that China once held an important position in the world, and it will re-build its image on the world stage. Therefore, the world should welcome China's return to its former strength by giving it due understanding, support and trust.
He pointed out that China's government is now slowing down the double-digit economic growth rate, and is aiming towards sustainable development. Nevertheless, the French economy has difficulty increasing by even a single percentage. China's economy is growing rapidly, and France has advanced technology. France and China can combine their advantages, and together attain mutual benefits and win-win cooperation.
When asked about his impressions from previous visits to China, he said that China has radically changed since his first visit in 1976. He thought that the Seventeenth CPC Congress will have an enormous influence on China's future development.
Raffarin gives his best wishes for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and is looking forward to the wonderful occasion. During his coming visit to China accompanying President Sarkozy, he will sign a contract on French language use with Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, as he is one of the leaders of the International French Language Organization.
Finally, Raffarin said the following to the readers of People's Daily: As readers of People's Daily, you have a right to be proud of your country. China is now gradually regaining her position as a world power. I, along with many other French people, have been a great friend of the Chinese people and have admiration for China. China needs the world; and likewise, the world needs China.
By People's Daily Online
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article