Chinese President Hu Jintao met his French counterpart Jacques Chirac in Beijing on Thursday.
During the talks between the two leaders, both sides agreed to intensify the "strategic partnership" of the two nations by enhancing economic cooperation and political discussions.
Hu Jintao says China hopes to further enhance cooperation with France in the future.
 "We must intensify the coordination and cooperation between the two countries on international issues. We must face global challenges together and construct a harmonious world with long-lasting peace and overall prosperity."
For his part, Chirac praises China's support for a U.N. Security Council resolution against North Korea in the wake of Pyongyang's nuclear test.
"We discussed the North Korean nuclear issue. We appreciate the face that the UN Security Council passed Resolution 1718 unanimously. We also appreciate that China showed a responsible attitude in the process of getting this resolution passed."
The Chinese and French leaders also signed a joint statement, as well as 14 cooperation agreements ranging from aviation and nuclear power utilization, to the prevention of infectious diseases.
The French president is seeking to expand economic ties in areas such as nuclear power and rail transport, where France is a major player.
Meanwhile, China signed an order on Thursday for 150 mid-size Airbus A320 planes from France.
The two countries aimed at having the annual bilateral trade volume go beyond 40 billion US dollars by the year 2010.
This is Chirac's fourth visit to China as French president.
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Director: Liu Chi