French president pledges stronger China-France economic ties

French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Beijing on Sunday for his first state visit to China since taking office in May.

On Monday morning, Sarkozy met with Chinese President Hu Jintao to discuss greater cooperation between the two countries.

At the meeting, President Hu put forth a four-point proposal for developing bilateral relations, which included enhanced cooperation in the sectors of nuclear energy, aviation and aerospace.

The four main points of the proposal pertained to strengthening political relations and mutual trust, enhancing strategic dialog on national and international issues, expanding bilateral economic and trade cooperation and promoting cultural exchange.

According to the BBC, the French industrialists accompanying Sarkozy on his trip have concluded trade deals worth almost 20 billion euros with the Chinese.

The deals include a ten-billion euro order for 160 Airbus passenger airplanes.

French nuclear energy corporation Areva also signed a contract for the delivery of two nuclear reactors to south China by 2013. Areva and its Chinese partner will also jointly run the two pressurized water reactors until 2026, the BBC writes.

The total value of the freshly signed deals is unprecedentedly high, Sarkozy said.

International issues, such as Iran's nuclear program, are also expected to be discussed during Sarkozy's visit.

At a business forum on Sunday evening Sarkozy lauded China for its constructive role in international affairs, especially for its contribution to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the Darfur issue.

"Our two countries enjoy very close political ties and energetic economic links," Xinhua quotes the French president as saying.

According to BBC correspondent James Reynolds, China wants to remain on good terms with France, which has not stirred up political tensions by playing host to the Dalai Lama.

President Sarkozy is scheduled to meet China's top legislator Wu Bangguo and Premier Wen Jiabao before traveling to Shanghai for meetings with Chinese business leaders.