Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing on December 5 in a telephone conversation with French President Jacques Chirac that China and France share similar views on international issues.

The two sides should make joint efforts to promote the resolution of Iraq issue and peace process in the Middle East region, Hu said.

Hu said that China backs efforts made by the three European Union member states, France, Germany and the United Kingdoms UK), to continue their talks with Iran on a long-term resolution to the nuclear issue. China will continue to play a constructive role on the issue.

The Chinese president also expressed China's deep concern on the current fluctuating situation in Iraq. In the recent international conference that has helped promote consensus on the issue of Iraq's reconstruction reflects the supports from the international community for peace in Iraq.

On the Middle East issues, Hu said China supports the Middle East peace process and the relevant issues should be resolved by complying with the resolutions of the United Nations and through political negotiation based on the principle of "land for peace".

The situation in the Middle East is at a crucial moment and China hopes that the Palestinian election will proceed successfully, Hu said.

Hu expressed his pleasure at seeing China-France ties maintain a good momentum of growth, saying that the consensus on the bilateral cooperation reached by the heads of the two states in Beijing summit has been thoroughly implemented. China is willing to join in hands with France to further promote the all-around Sino-French strategic partnership.

Chirac spoke positively on the remarkable results achieved in the friendly cooperation on various fields between the two nations. He said he hoped that the two nations could maintain the momentum of mutual visits between the high-ranked officials and continue strengthening exchanges and cooperation.

On the international and regional issues, Chirac briefed Hu about the agreement reached among France, Germany, the UK and Iran on the nuclear issue and their next considerations.

Chirac spoke about France's views on the current situation in Iraq and the Middle East and exchanged views with Hu on issues of bilateral ties and other international and regional issues of common concern.