Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) accompanies French President Jacques Chirac in reviewing a guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony Hu hosts for Chirac's visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Oct. 9, 2004. (Xinhua photo)

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) shakes hands with French President Jacques Chirac. (Xinhua photo)

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) and his wife (1st L) pose for a photo with French President Jacques Chirac (2nd R) and his wife (1st R) during a welcoming ceremony Hu hosts for Chirac's visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Oct. 9, 2004. (Xinhua photo)

    BEIJING, Oct. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President Jacques Chirac held talks in the Great Hall of the People here Saturday afternoon.

    The two presidents exchanged views on bilateral ties and international and regional issues of mutual concern.

    President Hu extended welcome to President Chirac on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people.

    The Chinese president said President Chirac was an old friend of the Chinese people, who has been promoting Sino-French friendship for years and made important contributions to the Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership.

    Hu said he believed this visit would help advance the Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership.

    Chirac said he was very glad to visit China again and was deeply impressed by the warm welcome to him in Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province and first leg of his China tour. He also spoke highly of the economic achievement in Sichuan.

    A number of agreements were expected to be signed after the talks and then the two presidents will meet journalists.

    Chirac arrived in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province Friday evening, beginning his five-day state visit to China as guest of President Hu Jintao. He arrived in Beijing Saturday afternoon.

    Besides Chengdu and Beijing, Chirac and his entourage will alsovisit Shanghai and Hong Kong. He is to attend the opening ceremonyof the French Culture Year in China. Enditem