Macron stresses 'leading role' of France-China partnership

World
Europe

02:14

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said the comprehensive strategic partnership between France and China should play a "leading role" amid the current complicated international situation.

Macron made the remarks during his meeting with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Elysee Palace.

France wishes to further strengthen its strategic communication and collaboration with China to maintain multilateralism, said the president.

Macron recalled his visit to China in January, during which he reached consensus with Chinese President Xi Jinping on further developing France-China ties.

French President Emmanuel Macron meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, May 16, 2018. /MOFA Photo

The French president urged both countries to propose and implement concrete plans to increase high-level visits, strengthen cooperation in various fields including trade, science and technology and culture, and explore the potential of collaboration on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Wang said China believes that France would make an important strategic partner in implementing the BRI, and that China is willing to work with France to promote multilateralism.

He underlined that China attaches importance to the role of France as a great power, and appreciates France's independent foreign policy.

China is willing to further deepen high-level contacts and mutually beneficial cooperation with France, Wang said, adding that the two countries should safeguard the global system and principles of international relations, and be the "positive voice" in maintaining world peace.

Wang also met with Philippe Etienne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, with whom he discussed bilateral cooperation in various fields under the BRI framework and on other major issues such as climate change.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) meets with Philippe Etienne, diplomatic adviser to the French president, in Paris, France, May 16, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

Wang and Etienne agreed that China and France, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, should strengthen strategic communication and coordination to promote peaceful political solutions to regional issues, and to inject more positivity to the uncertain and unstable international situation.

Wang also met French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Wang said that since the BRI was proposed five years ago, the total trade volume between China and the countries along the land and maritime trade routes has exceeded four trillion US dollars, and the total investment reached 60 billion US dollars.

China has established 75 overseas economic cooperation zones, creating around 200,000 jobs for relevant countries, he added.

"In light of the international situation characterized by uncertainty, the BRI offers a new path to common development and prosperity for all the countries, and has demonstrated strong vitality and broad prospects," said Wang.

In addition, Wang addressed the concerns of some Europeans over the BRI.

"The BRI adheres to the principles of transparency and inclusiveness," he said. "We certainly strive to achieve high quality and high standards, and comply with international regulations and market rules, while attaching great importance to the sustainability of debts and environment protection."

"China and France can jointly take part in the BRI construction, especially in expanding third-party markets, through which they will be able to complement each other and find more space for cooperation," he said.

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Wang and Le Drian also reaffirmed their countries' commitment to the Iran nuclear deal, despite US President Donald Trump's determination to kill it off. They made the remarks while addressing journalists in Paris on Wednesday following talks.

Wang and his counterpart also exchanged views on international and regional hotspot issues of mutual concern, including the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and the situation in the Middle East.

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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency