The Communist Party of China (CPC) was ready to increase exchanges with the Socialist Party of France, said a senior official in Beijing Sunday.

 

Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during the talks with Segolene Royal, leader of the French Socialist Party.

 

Wang said the all-round strategic partnership between China and France in recent years had witnessed great progress, and benefited the two peoples.

 

"The development of China-France relations also makes positive contribution to the healthy and stable growth of China-EU ties," Wang noted.

 

The CPC would further increase dialogue with the French Socialist Party, in a bid to promote China-France ties, he said.

 

Royal said the French Socialist Party paid great attention to China.

 

The France-China all-round strategic partnership was mutually beneficial to both nations, and China's rapid development created an important opportunity for France and the world at large, she said.

 

The French Socialist Party would continue sticking to one-China policy, Royal said, noting that she would make active efforts to promote the relations between the two nations.

 

Royal, the party's presidential candidate, was here on a visit to China January 6-9.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2007)