China, France pledge to deepen cooperation

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01:58

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Beijing on Thursday. They expressed a strong wish to boost bilateral ties and vowed to work together to safeguard the multilateral trade system and rules of the World Trade Organization.

This is Jean-Yves Le Drian's fourth visit to China after he took office about a year ago. Both ministers said they want to inject new impetus into the two countries' comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang praised the close communication and coordination having been held by both sides, particularly since President Emmanuel Macron met with President Xi Jinping in Beijing in January.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (2R) met his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Beijing on September 13, 2018./CGTN Photo

Jean-Yves Le Drian said that France wants to deepen cooperation and implement the consensus reached by both leaders

The two foreign ministers gave more details at a joint press conference, including a timetable for exchange visits between the two leaders, as well as exploring ways to cement cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative, and beyond.

"Next year, we will celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic ties, and the 100th anniversary of the Chinese work study program in France. We will take the opportunity to create more bonds between our people," Wang said.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Beijing on September 13, 2018./CGTN Photo

They also agreed to protect multilateralism and free trade, encourage exchanges of personnel, and reach consensus on key international issues.

When talking about the reform of the international trade system, Wang said those that cannot be abandoned include the core value of the World Trade Organization, the lawful rights of developing countries, and the spirit of reaching consensus through talks.

That needs bold measures.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R) and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian hold a joint press conference in Beijing on September 13, 2018./CGTN Photo

"We should reject all unilateralist actions, and we need to reform the mechanisms for multilateralism,” Jean-Yves Le Drian said.

Both ministers agreed to boost bilateral ties. They said China and France will play more positive roles in building healthy international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind.

On Friday, Jean-Yves Le Drian will co-host a meeting on business and trade with senior officials from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, discussing further cooperation.