China, France to advance comprehensive strategic partnership: Chinese FM

UNITED NATIONS - Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Wednesday that China is willing to strengthen strategic coordination with France in international affairs and further advance their comprehensive strategic partnership.

Wang made the remarks during a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on the sidelines of the 74th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly high-level events week.

China and France, both permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding world peace and stability in the current volatile international situation, Wang said, stressing that the two countries both adhere to independence, advocate multilateralism and promote an open world economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's successful state visit to France in March opened a new chapter for the development of bilateral relations, Wang said.

He said that Xi's visit has yielded fruitful results, as the first phase of the Taishan nuclear power plant in China's Guangdong province has been completed, the legal and judicial dialogue mechanism has been implemented, and events related to the China-France Year of the Environment have been carried out smoothly.

Wang said China is ready to work closely with France to ensure the success of the next stage of high-level exchanges, prompt bilateral cooperation to yield more results and send a positive signal of upholding multilateralism.

Le Drian said the two heads of state have a high degree of mutual trust, and together they guide and push forward the development of bilateral relations.

In a world full of uncertainties, it is important for France and China to maintain close communication and cooperation, he said.

France is ready to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, promote practical cooperation in such areas as economy and trade, nuclear energy and other fields, and strengthen coordination on climate change, the Iran nuclear issue and other global challenges and regional hotspot issues, said the top French diplomat.