BEIJING, Oct. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- China and France underline the importance of Sino-European Union human rights dialogue in their joint press communique issued here Sunday.

    The joint communique, issued during French President Jacques Chirac's state visit to China, says that the two countries wish to enhance dialogues in this field on the basis of equality and mutual respect.

    China is willing to ratify the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and is making efforts in this regard, according to the communique.

    The United Nations' role in economic and social fields should be enhanced, the communique says.

    China and France are willing to undertake joint efforts to promote the stable development of Sino-European Union and Asia-Europe relations and to eradicate obstacles affecting relations between China and the European Union, it says.

    The communique also calls for dialogue on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula. Enditem