CMG, BFM Business special program marks 60 years of China-France relations

China Media Group (CMG) and France's BFM Business channel launched a special program on Saturday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations.

Experts from the cultural and tourism communities, think tanks and scholars from China and France participated in the program, discussing China-France exchanges and looking ahead to the broad future of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership jointly outlined by the two heads of state.

Former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin congratulated the Chinese and French media on the launch of the program.

In an interview, Raffarin said that cooperation between China and France has been making new progress, and it is still very important to strengthen exchanges. Sixty years ago, General Charles de Gaulle made the historic decision to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. Today, we want to let the world know that world peace needs China, he said, adding that to fully understand China, one must go to China personally.

Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and president of CMG, said that under the guidance of the two heads of state, the two sides will conduct extensive exchanges and deepen cooperation in various fields such as film and television, sports, education, tourism, and intangible cultural heritage this year.

Shen said he is deeply aware that China and France have a deep foundation for cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and they will definitely continue to deepen mutual learning between civilizations and cement China-France friendship at a new starting point. With the Paris Olympics approaching this year, CMG will work closely with the International Olympic Committee and the Paris Organizing Committee to jointly record and disseminate the wonderful events of the Paris Olympics, he said.

The special program was broadcasted simultaneously on the CGTN French channel of CMG and BFM Business channel in France on Saturday.