Chinese foreign minister meets French counterpart

China's Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and his visiting French counterpart held talks on Tuesday and exchanged views on bilateral ties and other shared concerns. "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 Xinhua news agency reported. Alain Juppe, the French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs and State Minister, said that he is impressed by the achievements China has made over the last several decades. "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 they believe the U.S. should play a leading role in Libya''s reconstruction.