China calls for stronger dialogue, cooperation with France

Aamir Latif

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called for stronger dialogue and cooperation with France to deepen political mutual trust and jointly address global risks and challenges, state media reported.

During a telephone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Wang said Beijing was ready to work with Paris to fulfill their responsibilities as permanent members of the UN Security Council.

The two countries should also work together to safeguard the common interests of the international community, Wang said, according to state-run Xinhua News Agency.

He expressed hope that France would “honor its commitment to the ‘one-China principle’ through concrete actions and safeguard the political foundation of China-France relations.”

Wang also urged the EU to work with China to establish “stable and balanced” trade relations, emphasizing their importance as major trading partners.

The two sides “stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” he said.

Barrot, for his part, said France attached great importance to China’s status as a major country and remained committed to the one-China policy, according to Xinhua.

He added that Paris was ready to play an active role in promoting dialogue and cooperation between the EU and China.

The two ministers also exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including the election of the UN secretary-general.

China, Slovakia discuss cooperation

Separately, Wang held talks with Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar in Beijing on Tuesday.

Wang said China was ready to work with Slovakia to advance a vision of global governance based on extensive consultation, joint contributions and shared benefits.

He also called for jointly building a community with a shared future for humanity, according to Xinhua.

Blanar reaffirmed Slovakia’s commitment to the one-China policy and described Beijing as an important partner.

He said Slovakia would continue working to provide a stable and favorable environment for Chinese companies to invest and cooperate in the country.