Wang calls for more China-France cultural, people-to-people exchanges

Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired on Friday the seventh meeting of the China-France high-level dialogue mechanism on people-to-people exchanges with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris, calling for further deepening bilateral cultural and people-to-people ties amid global turbulence.

By doing so, the two countries could set an example for the exchange of civilizations between China, Europe and even the world, paving the way for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, he said.

Wang appreciated that the mechanism has actively promoted bilateral cultural exchanges and significantly enhanced mutual understanding between both peoples.

He emphasized the need to strengthen youth exchanges and revitalize subnational cooperation?, including the prompt resumption of the high-level forum on local government cooperation.

Wang welcomed more French citizens to visit China while expressing the hope that France could further streamline visa procedures for Chinese travelers.

Wang also voiced support for the building of China-France carbon neutrality center? to accelerate green and low-carbon development and expressed China's willingness to enhance multilateral coordination? with France to jointly build an open, inclusive and beautiful world.

Barrot affirmed that bilateral cultural ties not only underpinned the robust relationship but also enabled both nations to tackle global challenges together.

France would strengthen cooperation with China in education, culture, scientific research, youth programs, film, and local exchanges to forge an interconnected, high-quality and sustainable partnership, he added.

The meeting concluded with the issuance of a joint statement.