In a joint statement released following a meeting here between Chinese President Hu Jintao and his French counterpart Jacques Chirac, the pair also said they would maintain cooperation on the Iranian nuclear issue.
“The two sides call for respect of Security Council resolution 1696 and agree to pursue their joint efforts for a resolution of the nuclear issue to maintain a close a permanent contact on this matter,” the statement said.
The UN Security Council passed resolution 1696 three months ago, demanding that Iran halt its controversial nuclear development by August 31 or face possible sanctions.
The resolution expressed “serious concern” at Iran’s refusal to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency orders to halt uranium enrichment and other nuclear work.
Iran has so far failed to comply with the resolution and UN Security Council members are reviewing a tougher resolution mandating sanctions.
Western powers fear Iran’s uranium enrichment could be diverted to make nuclear weapons, but the Islamic republic insists its nuclear program is solely aimed at generating electricity.
Chirac is on a four-day visit of China and departs on Saturday.
