Rome, 1 November 2021 (TDI): Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on the edge of the Group of 20(G20) Summit in Rome, Italy. The two counterparts met on 30 October 2021.
Interactions between the heads of two states
The Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister stated that the two countries have frequently interacted this year. The leaders of the two countries have attended the 15th meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity virtually. They also discussed bilateral relations and ways to expand cooperation in a phone call a few days back. The two countries respect each others’ interests and legitimate concerns.
Le Ministre chinois des Affaires étrangères WANG Yi a rencontré hier à Rome son homologue français Jean-Yves Le Drian, qui a réaffirmé l’adhésion ferme de la France à la politique d’une seule Chine et son respect du principe de la souveraineté nationale. pic.twitter.com/e5QG8fQrLo
— Ambassade de Chine en France (@AmbassadeChine) October 31, 2021
Chinese Foreign Minister emphasized multilateralism
The Chinese Foreign Minister discussed the Coronavirus challenges posed to the world. He said that the world is facing challenges of economic recovery, climate change, and developmental issues. He stated that in this challenging world, China advocates multilateralism in the world to create peace and prosperity. Wang Yi said that the international community is facing common problems so they should deal with them by cooperating. He stressed that being members of the United Nations Security Council, France and China should promote peace and harmony in the world. They should prevent the world from conflicts. He emphasized China and France should defend the peace of the world and promote multilateralism. He urged that unilateral decisions should be denounced and events leading to a new Cold War in the world should be prevented.
France supports one-China policy
The French Foreign Minister on his part highlighted the role of the heads of the two states in strengthening the bilateral relations. He expressed French support for the one-China policy. Le Drian stated that France is committed to the policy of non-interference and respect the sovereignty of the states.
French Foreign Minister agrees on multilateralism
He stated that France firmly supports the policy of multilateralism in the world. All the problems should be dealt with through dialogues, he added. He emphasized that France will defend international rule of law. He also expressed the dedication of France in collaborating with China on multiple fronts in international organizations such as the United Nations Security Council and the Group of 20 (G20).
Discussion on climate change
The two counterparts highlighted the importance of the 26th UN COP in Glasgow. No one is safe until everyone is safe. So, cooperation should be the top priority of the countries. Chinese Foreign Minister highlighted the Chinese targets to deal with climate challenges. French Foreign Minister acknowledged Chinese actions in the fight against climate change. He expressed France’s will to work with China to address global challenges in the world.
Frenchy presidency of EU to strengthen China-EU cooperation
Wang Yi said that the French presidency of the European Union (EU) will help to enhance the cooperation between the two parties. He stated that it would be a win-win situation for the two parties and will strengthen cooperation. Le Drian replied that France looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China. The two sides also changed views on global and regional issues such as the Iran Nuclear Talks and recent developments in Afghanistan. They hoped that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) will help to create sustainable peace and stability in the region.
