Beijing, 26 November 2023 (TDI): Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi and Catherine Colonna, Foreign Minister of France inaugurated the Franco-Chinese Carbon Neutrality Centre during a high-level bilateral dialogue in Beijing today.
The establishment of this center, as per the joint decision made by the two presidents in April 2023.
Minister Wang Yi and Minister Catherine Colonna, who were on a two-day official visit to China, co-hosted the China-France High-Level Dialogue Mechanism on people-to-people exchanges.
During her visit, Colonna met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, emphasizing the shared commitment of both nations to addressing global challenges, particularly climate change and biodiversity.
During the meeting, the economic relationship between both was also discussed and both officials expressed their intent to deepen further economic ties. Economic data reveals an annual trade volume of approximately $81 billion between the two nations.
Wang Yi emphasized the significance of people-to-people exchanges as one of the three pillars of the China-France dialogue.
He added that this mechanism has not only laid a solid public opinion foundation for bilateral ties but has also acquired valuable experience in fostering harmony between countries with diverse civilizations
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He urged both countries to deepen people-to-people exchanges comprehensively.
He underscored the importance of enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples to set a positive example not only for China-EU relations but also for global affairs, with a focus on new developments, new achievements, and new heights.
Minister Colonna’s visit coincides with the initiation of an anti-subsidy probe by the European Union into electric vehicle imports from China.
In addition, preparations for the upcoming 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France in the coming year were also discussed.
Furthermore, Minister Colonna shared a positive development during her visit France, along with Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain, has been granted a 15-day visa-free entry to China starting next month, and it will be valid for one year.
Malaysia is the only non-European nation enjoying similar visa-waiver privileges.
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