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Qin Gang Meets with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna

2023-04-05 23:55

On April 5, 2023, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang met in Beijing with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna, who is accompanying French President Emmanuel Macron on his visit to China.

Qin Gang said that beginning with Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and General Charles de Gaulle, China and France have established and developed bilateral relations in the spirit of strategic autonomy. The more complex the world situation becomes, the more the two sides should adhere to strategic independence. Noting that the Chinese side attaches great importance to President Macron's visit to China, Qin Gang said that the Chinese side is willing to work with the French side to make this visit fruitful with outcomes and take the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and practical cooperation in various fields up to a higher level. Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and also the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism. China is ready to hold a series of celebrations and high-level cultural and people-to-people exchanges with France, promote dialogue and cooperation at all levels, in various fields and between various departments, and uphold multilateralism, so as to add more stability and certainty to the volatile world and set an example for the international community of working together to share opportunities and meet challenges.

Colonna said that France-China relations are of vital importance. France views its relations with China from a strategic and long-term perspective, appreciating China for the thoughtful arrangements for Macron's visit. She hopes that this visit will inject new vitality into bilateral cooperation in various fields. France adheres to its independent decision-making and the tradition of friendly and cooperative policy toward China. France is willing to work with China to comprehensively resume bilateral relations after COVID-19, constantly deepen cooperation in the fields such as economy and trade as well as people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and jointly respond to global challenges. France does not agree with decoupling, stays committed to dialogue and engagement, and stands ready to work with China to uphold fair and just international rules.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest and concern.

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