Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday exchanged congratulations on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic relations.

In his congratulatory message, President Xi said the world is currently facing a major change and the development of human society faces both opportunities and challenges.

"Both China and France are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and shoulder a special responsibility," said Xi. 

"I am willing to work with President Macron to carry forward the traditional friendship, hold high the banner of multilateralism, and take the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France as an opportunity to improve the level of China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and contribute to world peace, stability and development," said Xi.

Macron, for his part, said the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries 55 years ago is the symbol of the independence spirit of France and China.

Macron pointed out that the current international situation is full of uncertainty. "As permanent members of the UNSC, France and China play a special role in safeguarding a rule-based multilateral international order," Macron said.

"I highly value the friendship between France and China and the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides," said Macron.

"I am willing to work with President Xi to promote bilateral cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, aviation, agriculture, food, economy, trade and so on, and strengthen cooperation on global issues such as climate change, so as to promote greater development of bilateral ties in the new year and benefit the two peoples," said Macron.