Chinese premier meets French FM in Beijing

Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday said China-France relations have long been at the forefront of China's relations with major Western countries, which not only benefits the two peoples but also has a profound impact on the world.

Li made the remarks when meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne in Beijing.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, Li said that China is willing to work with France to implement the important consensus of the two heads of state, strengthen exchanges at all levels, carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, unswervingly advance bilateral relations, and inject more certainty into the development of the world through strengthening multilateral coordination.

Stressing that the economies of China and France are highly complementary, the premier said China has always regarded France as a priority partner, and is ready to tap the potential of cooperation in such fields as green energy, scientific and technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and digital economy while deepening traditional cooperation to better achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.

It is hoped that France will provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies, and actively promote the EU side to follow economic and market rules and properly address the concerns of both sides through consultation, Li said.

"Absence of cooperation and failure to develop are the biggest risks," the premier said.

China and France are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and responsible major countries. China is willing to strengthen multilateral cooperation with France to make positive contributions to resolving international hotspot issues and improving global governance, he said.

Sejourne said France-China relations have an important impact on both countries and the world.

Noting that France adheres to independence, opposes bloc confrontation, and opposes decoupling and severing of supply chains, Sejourne said that France firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is willing to work with China to take the opportunity of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations to deepen exchanges and cooperation in fields such as economy and trade, environmental protection, artificial intelligence and people-to-people exchanges, and push for further in-depth development of the France-China comprehensive strategic partnership. 

(With input from Xinhua)