Xi, Macron hold phone talks over DPRK issue, bilateral ties

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Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed hope that France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, would play a constructive role in easing the situation on the Korean Peninsula and restarting dialogue.

Xi made this comment during a phone conversation with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

Xi stressed that China remains persistent on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, adamant in preserving the international nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and resolute in safeguarding peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

Macron expressed his country’s commitment to peace and stability on the peninsula, saying that France is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in pushing for a proper settlement of the issue.

During the phone call, the two leaders also exchanged views on bilateral ties, calling for more overall cooperation.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in Hamburg, Germany, July 8, 2017. /Xinhua Photo

Xi has called on maintaining communication and coordination between the two countries on major international and regional issues.

Macron also congratulated Xi on the successful BRICS summit, which was just concluded in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen.

The French president said that France is committed to strengthening its relations with China and called for more cooperation in fields including economics, nuclear energy and environmental protection.