Expo reflects China-France friendship

SHANGHAI - The Shanghai Expo was a measure of the continued cooperation between France and China in the fields of technology, industry and culture, Bernard Accoyer, President of the National Assembly of France, said Monday at the Expo.

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France had actively supported the event since Shanghai was named the host city eight years ago and was among the first nations to confirm its participation, Accoyer told a ceremony to mark France National Pavilion Day.

"Today's China is opening its gates to the world to pursue a more peaceful, equal, environmental-friendly and better future," said Accoyer.

By participating in the Expo, France had shown its deep friendship with and unremitting support for China.

France's "Sensual City" pavilion is a giant square structure with an interior designed as a French-style garden. More than 2 million visitors have come to the pavilion, making it one of the Expo's most popular.

Accoyer said visitors would see France's rich culture and people-oriented modern technologies.

Accoyer said that since France and China issued their joint communique in 2009, they had seen frequent high-level visits, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy's attendance at the Expo opening ceremony.

France, together with China, would continue to enhance their cooperation in technology, industry and culture, said Accoyer.

Accoyer said the two nations' legislative bodies would hold their first meeting in July, in Paris, to discuss issues such as medical insurance, environmental protection and sustainable development. He believed the meeting would play an important role in promoting exchanges.