France expects deepened cooperation with Chinese navy

Source: Xinhua | 04-24-2009 11:12

PARIS, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The French Defense Ministry said Thursday the country was "very honored" to take part in the fleet review of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) and would like to strengthen communication and cooperation with the PLA Navy in the future.

France has paid enough attention to the review because it was a significant event, which will boost the interactivity between the Chinese and French navies, press officer for French Navy Sabine Rivayrol told Xinhua.

The French military was very proud of being present at the remarkable scene and regarded the event as an important opportunity to preserve and develop the friendship between the two navies, Rivayrol said.

The French navy would like to maintain "mutual trust" with its Chinese counterpart, she added.

The press officer stressed the coordination of the navies of various nations, especially in the fight against pirates, and expressed her country's willingness to deepen the cooperation with the Chinese navy through exchanges.

The French Navy's F734 Vendemiaire light monitoring frigate, among a total of 21 visiting navy vessels from 14 countries, took part in the international fleet review Thursday afternoon off eastern China's Qingdao city to mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the PLA Navy.

Editor:Liu Anqi