Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated on Friday that China and France should continue to strengthen people-to-people exchanges, setting an example for civilizational dialogue between China, Europe, and the broader world. He emphasized that such efforts would contribute to building a global community with a shared future.
Wang, who is also a member of the CPC Central Committee’s Political Bureau, made these remarks while co-chairing the 7th China-France High-Level Dialogue on People-to-People Exchanges with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris.
He recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to France last May, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic ties, where both sides agreed to deepen mutual understanding and promote cultural and educational exchanges.
Wang noted that the two countries have seen fruitful progress over the past year, especially through the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, which featured hundreds of events and welcomed over 6,000 French students to China for exchanges.
He highlighted the launch of joint initiatives in areas such as carbon neutrality, cultural heritage preservation, health, and medicine, showcasing the energy and diversity of China-France people-to-people cooperation.
Amid current global instability, Wang stressed the importance of cultural and civilizational dialogue in guiding societies toward clarity and shared understanding. He said that in a time of conflict and confusion, people-to-people exchanges serve as a quiet yet powerful force for peace.
He described China and France as key representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, each with a rich heritage. Their partnership, he noted, symbolizes a meeting of civilizations rather than just a bilateral relationship.
Wang emphasized that this year marks the beginning of the next 60 years of China-France relations and the second decade of their high-level dialogue mechanism. He urged both countries to honor the spirit of independence, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation that has defined their ties.
He proposed four areas for future collaboration. First, he called for stronger youth engagement, including increasing the number of French students in China and expanding joint programs for young leaders and researchers.
Second, Wang stressed revitalizing sub-national cooperation through sister-city programs, mayoral forums, and local government engagement platforms.
Third, he called for easing travel and visa procedures to promote mutual visits and people-to-people connectivity, encouraging more French citizens to visit China.
Fourth, he proposed strengthening innovation-led partnerships, particularly in green development. He called for support for the China-France carbon neutrality center, the continuation of education forums, and enhanced global coordination for an inclusive world.
In response, French Foreign Minister Barrot praised the depth of China-France people-to-people ties, saying they are a valuable asset for strong bilateral relations and joint efforts on global challenges.
Barrot reaffirmed France’s commitment to deepening cooperation in education, culture, science, youth, and film, aiming to build a sustainable and high-quality partnership with China.
The meeting was attended by representatives from both countries in sectors such as education, tourism, health, science, and sports. The dialogue concluded with a joint statement reaffirming the shared goals and achievements of the 7th China-France high-level meeting on people-to-people exchanges.
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