President Li Xiaolin met with Mr. Jean Pierre Raffarin, former French Prime Minister, on May 27. President Li spoke highly of the outstanding contributions made by Mr. Jean Pierre Raffarin to promoting the two countries’ relations over years. She also emphasized that Chinese People viewed Mr. Jean Pierre Raffarin as a hero and true friend, since he visited China as French Prime Minister during the SARS period in 2003. President Li invited Mr. Jean Pierre Raffarin to attend the 5th Top Leaders Forum for Chinese and French Local Governments Cooperation which will be held in Chengdu, October. Mr. Jean Pierre Raffarin positively evaluated the efforts and achievements made by the CPAFFC and its President Li in enhancing the local governments cooperation between the two countries, and accepted the invitation.

Vice President Song Jingwu attended the meeting.