BEIJING - China and France on Tuesday pledged to expand their bilateral relationship during a visit to China by French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Alain Juppe.

China and France should maintain the momentum of cooperation, follow the right direction of the relationship's development, and continue to implement the consensus reached by the two sides, in efforts to promote bilateral ties, said Chinese State Councilor Dai Bingguo when meeting with Juppe in Beijing Tuesday evening.

"The world is undergoing unprecedented changes as a large number of developing countries are emerging, which present developed nations with opportunities," Dai said.

Dai said China's development would benefit not only its own people, but also Europe and the world.

"There can be talks if problems appear, but the path of development chosen by China must be respected," Dai said.

He said China looks forward to a successful G20 summit in Cannes, France.

Noting that China's progress meant profound changes for the world, Juppe said Europe sees that the changes will have revolutionary significance, and needs to make efforts to adapt to the situation.

Juppe called for joint efforts of all countries to form a framework of multilateralism, enhance the role of multilateral organizations, including the United Nations.

China and France can play important and positive roles in building a multi-polar world, he said.

During the talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi with Juppe earlier Tuesday, they also vowed to further bilateral ties.

"As a permanent member of the United Nations and a member of G20, China and France's determination to strengthen cooperation will have great significance for global peace and stability," Yang said.

He said China and France have maintained frequent high-level contacts and enhanced mutual trust and cooperation in recent years.

"China will work with France to continuously implement the consensus reached by two countries' leaders, maintain the momentum of high-level visits and deepen cooperation in the areas of economics, trade, nuclear energy, aviation and tourism," Yang said.

Yang urged both countries to strengthen multilateral coordination, jointly promote positive and practical outcomes at the G20 Cannes Summit, and enhance the international community's confidence in global economic recovery and development.

"China's peaceful development is an opportunity, not a threat, for France," Juppe said.

Juppe voiced his appreciation of China's handling of international affairs and the positive effect the country has had on the promotion of the G20.

Juppe pledged to work with China to strengthen exchanges in various fields and further promote their comprehensive strategic partnership.

While discussing the current situation in Libya, both sides agreed to respect the choice of the Libyan people, adding that the U.N. should play a leading role in Libya's reconstruction.

Juppe is on a three-day visit to China at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. Juppe will visit south China's Guangdong Province in addition to Beijing.