New leaders, common aim

Beijing is looking forward to working with the new leaders of Russia and France to further advance its relations with the two countries.

President Hu Jintao sent congratulations to Vladimir Putin, who was sworn in as Russian president on Monday. On the same day, French president-elect Francois Hollande received a congratulatory message from Hu during his meeting with Chinese Ambassador to France Kong Quan.

Thanks to their common efforts, China and Russia have established a solid, in-depth and sustained relationship on the basis of mutual trust. The two countries have maintained frequent high-level visits and exchanges and Putin has met Hu and other Chinese leaders many times. He met with Vice-Premier Li Keqiang in Moscow last month.

As a neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner, China has an interest in a stable, strong and prosperous Russia. As emerging economies, China and Russia have contributed to regional and world peace and development together.

Beijing and Moscow have maintained effective coordination on international issues, ranging from efforts to end the Syrian crisis to negotiations aimed at breaking the Iranian nuclear impasse. The two share the common goal of a multipolar world and have jointly pushed for sensible global economic governance.

Their smooth communication and broad consensus on a wide range of issues will enable Beijing and Moscow to blaze a new trail for their cooperation.

We also hope to build on our long-term friendship and cooperation with France under the leadership of Hollande. Beijing values its ties with France as they form an important part of its interaction with Europe.

We did hear Hollande's less-than-friendly remarks about China before the election. Yet his latest remarks as French president-elect on ties with China have been positive. On Monday, he said France recognizes China's important influence in international politics and the global economy, and he expressed his willingness to shore up cooperation on bilateral and multilateral platforms.

The friendship and cooperation between China and France caters to the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples. It is also significant in safeguarding and promoting regional and global peace and development too.

We hope the new president bears the lessons of his predecessors in mind and keeps Sino-French relations on stable and smooth terrain.

(China Daily 05/09/2012 page8)