China values its relationship with France from the strategic perspective, and will work with the French side to further upgrade the comprehensive and strategic partnership in accordance with the guideline of the Sino-French joint statement.

Chinese Vice President Zeng Qinghong made the remarks when meeting Sunday with Jean Besson, president of the France-China Amity Group of the French Senate and his party.

Zeng said that the Sino-French relations have been developing in a comprehensive way, and the mutual trust in the political field and strategic cooperation between the two sides have been further consolidated.

Chinese President Hu Jintao paid a successful state visit to France in January at the invitation of his French counterpart Jacques Chirac, which pushed forward the comprehensive and strategic partnership between the two countries, he said.

He noted that Chirac will visit China in October and attend the opening ceremony of the year of French culture in China, which will advance the bilateral ties to a new height.

Besson said that France-China relations have maintained good momentum for development, and Chinese President Hu Jintao's Francetour early this year impressed the French people.

This year marks 40th anniversary of the establishment of the France-China diplomatic ties, and China has successfully held the year of Chinese culture in France, he added.

Besson noted that France and China have shared similar views onthe international affairs, and he hopes that the two countries will further expand cooperation in the fields of energy resources and aviation.