Wang Yi calls on China, France to deepen people-to-people exchanges

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on China and France to continuously deepen China-France people-to-people exchanges and set an example for civilizational exchanges between China and European countries.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when he co-chaired the 7th meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, in Paris.

The China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges has actively promoted exchanges between both peoples and greatly enhanced mutual understanding between the two countries, Wang said.

Hailing the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism in 2024 a success, Wang said hundreds of events were held in the past year, more than 6,000 French students traveled to China for exchange and study programs, and both countries have jointly held a series of thematic activities on topics such as carbon neutrality and cultural heritage protection and restoration.

All these demonstrated the vibrancy and dynamism of bilateral people-to-people exchanges, said the Chinese foreign minister.

Noting this year marks the opening of a new 60-year cycle in China-France diplomatic relations and the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges has entered its second decade, Wang said both countries should carry forward the spirit that guided the establishment of their diplomatic ties, namely, independence, mutual understanding, long-term vision, and mutual benefit, and continuously deepen bilateral people-to-people exchanges, thus setting an example for exchanges between civilizations globally and building bridges for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

To do so, Wang proposed four measures: strengthening youth exchanges, deepening local-level cooperation, facilitating people-to-people exchanges and maintaining innovation's leading role in bilateral cultural and education exchanges. 

Echoing Wang, Barrot said France-China people-to-people exchanges are rich and fruitful, constituting a valuable asset for both nations.

These exchanges not only provide strong support for robust bilateral relations but also help the two countries work together to address global challenges, Barrot said.

France will continue to uphold an open, future-oriented spirit, strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in fields like education, culture and scientific research, and build a close, high-quality and sustainable partnership.

The meeting concluded with the issuance of a joint statement.