Beijing, Paris to put ties back on track

China and France have agreed to restore high-level contacts following a spat over Tibet, with the two nations pledging cooperation to tackle the global financial crisis.

"Both sides reaffirm the high importance of Sino-French relations and are willing to strengthen the all-round strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect and paying attention to each side's basic interests," said a joint communiqu issued by the countries' foreign ministries following many rounds of talks.

China suspended most contacts and called off a major summit with the European Union following a December meeting between French President Nicholas Sarkozy and the Dalai Lama.