China-France ties show positive development momentum, says Wang Yi

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: China-France relations have withstood the test of times, maintaining overall stability and a positive development momentum, said Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday during a video conversation with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, retraced the successful meeting between the two heads of state in Bali, Indonesia, saying the talk has “enhanced understanding and mutual trust, and expanded consensus and cooperation” between the two countries.

China is willing to work with France to promote high-level exchanges, strengthen planning and design, enhance the stability and predictability of bilateral relations, and deepen practical cooperation in economy, trade, agriculture and aviation, Wang said. He added that China is looking to expand cooperation with France in areas such as green energy, medicine and healthcare, and scientific and technological innovation.

Wang also said China will continue to optimize COVID-19 containment measures and facilitate Chinese and foreign personnel exchanges.

For her part, Colonna said France is willing to work with China to prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges between the two sides, formulate a cooperation roadmap, and deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership.

The French side is optimistic about the Chinese style of modernization and is willing to assist China along the way, she told Wang, adding that Paris is looking forward to reactivating people-to-people and cultural exchanges between France and China and gradually resuming normal personnel exchanges.

Colonna also spoke highly of China’s role as the presidency of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. France is willing to strengthen multilateral coordination with China in jointly facing global challenges, she said.