Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with visiting French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe in Beijing. The two look to author a new chapter in global economic development, and much more. CGTN's Su Yuting reports.

Edouard Philippe is visiting China for the first time as French Prime Minister. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang hosted Philippe at a welcome ceremony. The two sides held a meeting and jointly met the press. Li said the meeting comes amid a rise in unilateralism and protectionism, adding that world is facing many uncertainties. Issues such as refugees, climate change, and terrorism were discussed. While answering a question raised by French media, Li called for joint efforts in promoting free trade and safeguarding an open world economy.

LI KEQIANG CHINESE PREMIER "China and France shoulder the same mission: to help steer global economic development toward recovery. We both believe the solutions rely on communication, dialogue and cooperation. We firmly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, and uphold multilateralism and the UN Charter which is centered on world order, to defend open economy."

EDOUARD PHILIPPE FRENCH PRIME MINISTER "France and China have to tackle challenges, especially like global warming. Everyone knows how serious the problem is. We are deeply committed to fighting this issue. For environmental protection, we need to establish a pact to combat this issue. Against the backdrop of protectionism and unilateralism, we must work together in promoting globalism. We have confirmed that our partnership is very strategic."

Li and Philippe also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents covering areas such as energy, science and technology, agri-food, medicine and health.

They also held a round-table meeting with entrepreneurs from China and France. Premier Li said China acknowledges France's high quality technology. And that both governments are keen on pushing for more cooperation on climate change and green energy. Prime Minister Philippe said cooperation between China and France must include traditional sectors but also focus on new opportunities.

LI DONGSHENG, BOARD CHAIRMAN TCL CORPORATION "I am very impressed by this meeting. China continues to open its market to the world, and China, France, and the European Union need to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation. I think this will mutually benefit Europe and Asia. In the future, we hope we can push forward with projects in high-technology and artificial intelligence with French partners."

SU YUTING BEIJING "Both China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council. France is also the first major Western country to formally establish diplomatic relations with China. French Prime Minister Philippe's visit to China this time is expected to inject new impetus into the development of the China-France ties. Su Yuting, CGTN, Beijing."