Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday suggested that China and France actively encourage continued progress in areas of pragmatic cooperation such as energy, aviation, and agri-food products while developing new engines of bilateral cooperation.
In a telephone interview with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, Xi also said that the two countries should consolidate mutual trust, respect and seriously consider the fundamental interests and major concerns of each and implement effectively. important cooperation agreements.
The two heads of state also exchanged greetings on the occasion of the Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year), each sending best wishes to the people of the other country.
Recalling that he had five telephone conversations with Mr. Macron in 2020, Xi said these exchanges have helped promote the healthy development of Sino-French relations. He also noted that the consensus views they had reached had been implemented.
In this new year, the two sides must continue to make joint efforts and pioneer by taking inspiration from the spirit of the Ox, to continue to develop their bilateral relations, he said, adding that China supported the idea of ​​making Paris an international financial center.
Noting Macron’s call for the strategic independence of the European Union (EU), Xi said China believes a stronger Europe will be conducive to peace, stability, the development of a multipolar world, and the strengthening of cooperation between the two great forces of China and the EU, which will enable them to jointly meet various global challenges.
The two sides should also work together to prepare the important China-EU political events for the next period, he added.
Recalling that at the end of last year, China and the EU jointly announced the completion of negotiations on the investment agreement between the two sides, Xi called for concerted efforts to ensure that this agreement can enter into force as soon as possible.
Cooperation between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEEC) is an integral part of the comprehensive China-Europe cooperation, he also said, adding that China is ready to work together with France to explore the possibilities of tripartite cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe, which would open up new horizons for China-EU cooperation.
As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and responsible major countries, China and France must also continue to defend multilateralism and stimulate global efforts to maintain fairness and justice, coordination and justice. cooperation, openness, and inclusion, with a view to contributing to humanity’s early victory against COVID-19, while promoting peace and development across the world, he added.
China has offered COVID-19 vaccine aid to more than 50 developing countries, and is also ready to work with France to support the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in international cooperation against the pandemic, continued the Chinese president. It is also ready to actively participate in the Mechanism to Accelerate Access to Tools to Fight COVID-19 (ACT) and the Universal Access Facility for COVID-19 Vaccines, said the Chinese president.
Xi stressed that China has fully implemented the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative, urged all parties concerned to reach an agreement on the extension of the initiative, and steadfastly urged financial institutions. multilateral and commercial creditors to join this arrangement.
China is also happy to see France and other members of the international community strengthen their involvement in Africa, and wishes to maintain its communication with France on this subject, he said.
He also expressed the wish to see the two parties encourage more countries to apply the Paris Climate Agreement, and support each other in the organization of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. and the 7th World Conservation Congress.
Mr. Macron for his part welcomed the development of Franco-Chinese relations and declared himself ready to work with the Chinese side in a spirit of openness and cooperation, in order to advance bilateral cooperation in important areas and actively promote trade and cooperation between the EU and China.
The French president hoped that the EU and China will make joint efforts to bring the EU-China investment agreement into force as soon as possible.
France appreciates the positive contributions that China is making to international cooperation against the pandemic, including helping other countries to obtain COVID-19 vaccines more quickly, he said, adding that he hoped to strengthen cooperation with China in this area.
Mr. Macron said France was ready to strengthen its communication with China in international affairs and wanted to work together with China to encourage the international community to put in place debt relief and suspension measures. for Africa and to help the continent achieve economic growth.
France is also ready to maintain close cooperation with China in the face of major global challenges, such as climate change and public health, he said, adding that his country supports China’s efforts to host the next one. UN Conference on Biodiversity.
The two heads of state also exchanged views on various regional issues of common interest.
