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

2023-03-03 10:00

On March 2, 2023 local time, Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

Qin Gang said that China and France are important major countries with world influence and two major forces for peace. Faced with complex and profound changes in the international situation, the strategic value and special significance of China-France relations are more prominent. Next year will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and China is ready to work with France to prepare for the important agenda of bilateral relations in the next stage, leverage the leading role of high-level exchanges, and strive for new achievements in the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership.

Colonna said that France attaches great importance to the France-China strategic communication and major-country coordination, and is ready to keep close high-level exchanges with China, substantiate bilateral relations, and expand cooperation in such emerging fields as scientific research, innovation and climate change. Next year is an important year for France-China relations, and France is ready to work with China to host the Year of Culture and Tourism, and resume cultural and people-to-people exchanges across the board.

Colonna said that President Emmanuel Macron spoke highly of the 12-point document of China’s position on the Ukraine crisis. Faced with the escalating crisis, all parties have paid a high price, and she expressed the hope that China will play an important role in ending the war as soon as possible.

Qin Gang briefed on China’s position and propositions on the Ukraine issue, and emphasized that relevant parties should earnestly reflect on the hard lessons of the Ukraine crisis, adhere to the right direction of peace talks, and truly build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture.