Xi holds talks with Macron, pledging for enhanced China-France ties

Macron said he is glad to visit China again on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

"My frequent exchanges with Xi have deepened friendship and political mutual trust between France and China and boosted pragmatic cooperation," Macron said, voicing his agreement with Xi on views concerning bilateral cooperation.

France and China take the same position on many major international issues, and the two countries, as two major powers, shoulder particularly significant responsibilities under the current international situation, he said.

Referring to France's strengthened dialogue and cooperation with China as "playing an important exemplary role," Macron said France is willing to properly settle the differences between the two sides based on mutual respect.

French companies are eagerly looking forward to taking the opportunity of China's expanded opening-up, further entering into the Chinese market, expanding exports of agricultural products to China, and strengthening cooperation in areas such as aviation, aerospace, and civilian nuclear energy, as well as sci-tech innovation and finance, he said.

China's issuance of euro-denominated sovereign bonds in Paris is of great significance to France, Macron said, pledging to keep the French market open to Chinese companies.

He said France is ready to advance the alignment of the BRI with the EU's Euro-Asian connectivity strategy and jointly promote the green development of the Belt and Road.