French President Francois Hollande makes a speech at the closing ceremony of China-French Economic Forum at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing April 25, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - China's peaceful development is a "great opportunity" for France and the two sides should further boost win-win cooperation, says President Francois Hollande.

The French leader made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Xinhua ahead of his first presidential visit to China, which kicked off Thursday.

China's development, like that of all other major emerging countries, would lead to a profound transformation of the balance of international relations, he said.

The two sides, added the president, should further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation, as "it is our responsibility to meet new challenges together."

Noting that China has become the world's second largest economy after 30 years of reform, Hollande said China's economic development and growth is "impressive."

He added that he also has high regard for the "dynamism and deep transformations of Chinese society that accompany it."

"China now finds its place in the world, which, in reality, has always been its own: a civilization thousands of years old, a country with a great culture," said the president.

As France and China enjoy centuries of friendship, "we must now live up to our shared past as we look to the future together, and that's what we have decided with President Xi Jinping," he said.

The French president said his China visit has three objectives: to intensify political dialogue over all bilateral and multilateral subjects, to rebalance bilateral economic and trade ties, and to promote exchanges between the two peoples, especially between the two countries' young generations.

"Our relationship needs stability and trust. We are two best friends who can address all issues with frankness and mutual respect," he said.

Speaking of trade ties, Hollande hailed the established partnerships between the two countries in civil nuclear programs and aerospace.

Meanwhile, he voiced the hope that France and China could promote cooperation in food, health, urban planning and sustainable development, financial services, and digital economy.

"In all these fields of activity, French companies have experiences and solutions, and we must be able to adapt to meet the needs of China," he said.

Hollande said Chinese investment is welcome in France, which boasts a high-quality workforce, a location at the heart of Europe, fine transportation infrastructure, and a favorable environment to scientific and technological innovation.

The French president also urged the two countries to increase exchanges among business leaders, adding that Chinese tourists are also welcome in France.

"We do everything to ensure that their visas are issued as soon as possible," he said, noting that new air routes have been developed.

On international relations, Hollande said the old world order has gone and a new balance is in the making.

"France and China are two great powers, also permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. My visit is an opportunity to intensify our dialogue on major international issues," Hollande said.

On the economic situation in the European Union (EU), the French president said that over the past year, the EU has taken various measures to preserve the integrity of the euro zone and better supervise the banks.

"We need to restore economic growth. It is in the interest of the Asia-Pacific region, for the prosperity of China and that of Europe are inseparable," he added.