Xi Jinping calls for pushing China-France relations to new level

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday called on his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, to carry forward the traditional China-France friendship and push the relations to a new level.

During a telephone conversation with Macron, Xi said that 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, and the two countries should pass the baton of history, stick to the original intention in establishing diplomatic relations, carry forward the traditional friendship and push the China-France relations to a new level.

China is glad to see the entry of an increasing number of French products into the Chinese market, and welcomes more investment of French enterprises in China, said Xi.

China hopes France could provide a fair and non-discriminatory business environment for the investment of Chinese enterprises in France, he said.

For his part, Macron said given the current international situation, it is of great significance for France and China to maintain strategic communication and cooperation.

France is willing to take the anniversary as an opportunity to intensify high-level exchanges with China, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, and aviation and promote people-to-people exchanges, he said. 

When it comes to climate change, Xi said China stands ready to work with France in sending a strong signal of jointly addressing the issue, and promoting the success of the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Dubai.

Macron said France hopes to maintain close communication with China on the COP28 session, and continue to work with China to address global issues such as climate change and biodiversity protection.

Xi and Macron also exchanged views on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Both leaders agreed that it is imperative to avoid further deterioration of the situation, especially the emergence of a more serious humanitarian crisis, and the two-state solution is the fundamental way to solve the cycle of the conflicts.

They agreed to maintain communication on global and regional issues of common interest to contribute to world peace and stability.

(With input from Xinhua)