French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday congratulated China on its achievements in a throng of events at the just concluded Paris 2024 Olympics while commending the country on its efforts to promote world peace through the Games.

China's Olympic delegation clinched 40 gold, 27 silver and 24 bronze medals at Paris 2024, achieving its best overseas performance since its first comprehensive participation in a Summer Olympics abroad in 1984.

Ahead of the Games' closing ceremony, President Macron sat down for an exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV) at the Elysee Palace in Paris. He said the results prove that China's capable of nurturing exceptional athletes.

"Over the years, China has made significant investments in the field of sports, establishing itself as one of the world's top sporting nations. I would like to congratulate you on your achievements in table tennis, swimming, and many other disciplines, which showcase your ability to nurture exceptional athletes and inspire others," said the president.

Macron said he is glad to see the excellent performances of athletes including both veteran Olympians who defended their title and young prodigies who made a shining Olympic debut. He made a special mention of 22-year-old French swimming sensation Leon Marchand, who triumphed in four swimming events.

"That's important for me. It brings joy and inspiration to the French people, just as your champions bring to the Chinese people. As I mentioned, we have been following the performances of table tennis players, swimmers and other athletes. This is one of the motivations for ambitions, that it prepares the nation for future champions and drives many young people to devote themselves to these sports, thereby practicing and developing themselves. That's the most important thing," said the president.

Macron said the country will build on the Olympics legacy to provide more opportunities for young people to engage in physical activities, improve health and gain confidence.

"Apart from the Olympic Games, this is part of the legacy we want to leave: to be a more sporting nation, where more and more young people are taking part in sports, through dreams, through recognition. We are investing a lot in schools. We are now developing sports facilities at secondary schools, and we are building more and more infrastructure. We will not slacken in our efforts even after the Olympics, because it's very important, it is very important for the development, personal confidence and health of our children and young people," he said.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Paris in May, he launched a joint initiative with his French counterpart to call for a global truce during the Pairs Olympic Games.

Speaking of the Olympic Truce, Macron thanked China for its support and hailed the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics for its success in prompting peace.

"When President Xi Jinping came, we reviewed the legacy of the recent Olympic Games, and in particular, I will not forget that the 2022 Winter Games played a significant role since there was indeed an effective mediation and a real truce that was respected at that time. And I want to thank President Xi and all the Chinese leaders who participated in this wish, that is, to achieve a truce for the Olympic and Paralympic Games," he said.

The United Nations adopted last year the resolution for the observance of the Olympic Truce for Paris 2024. Macron said it is unfortunate that conflicts continued during the Olympic Games, but he hopes the political initiatives launched during the Games have played a role in promoting peace.

"Just in the last few days, I have reiterated with several leaders the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Therefore, we cannot relax our efforts, which requires perseverance and determination. I think what the Olympic Games bring is the ability to play together, that is, to accept the same rules, respect our opponents, and help warring peoples reach a detente. I believe this does bring them closer, because you know, peace can only be achieved through dialogue with the enemy, so it is very important to respect each other and maintain engagement," Macron said.

The Paris Olympic Games came to a celebratory closing on Sunday after two weeks of intense competitions and record-breaking feats.

By the end of the competition, China and the United States tied for the top position in the gold medal count, both winning 40 in total. As the host country, France took home 16 gold medals, behind Australia with 18 and Japan with 20.

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

French President commends China's performance at Paris Olympics

Israel carried out air strikes on several sites in central Syria on Sunday night, the most violent aerial attacks on Syria this year, killing at least 18 people and injuring 37, as well as igniting wildfires and causing significant damage to infrastructure.

Following the attack, rescue workers and paramedics from different Syrian provinces were mobilized to the targeted region in the central Syrian province of Hama.

"This aggression came in waves; it was a brutal and savage aggression. Till now we have 18 killed and 37 injured. The injuries vary from critical to light. The health sector in Hama is doing its best by providing necessary aid to the injured," said Hasam Ghabbash, Syria's minister of health.

Local residents described the attacks as the longest air assault they had ever heard. According to eyewitnesses, communication lines, water pipes, and the electricity grid were damaged in the strikes that lasted for two hours.

"Yesterday we were at home and my children were sleeping. We heard the massive explosions that caused the buildings to tremble. The children woke up and they were in a panic. We looked out of the windows and saw the fires blazing in the forests next to us," said Bashar a local citizen.

"What happened yesterday is a first in terms of impact, sound and shock. At around 23:30 we heard a massive explosion. My child screamed fearing that we are about to die. I tried to calm her down, telling her that it would pass. My wife took the kids and hid in a place fearing that the explosions might reach us," said Muhammad Zeinati, another local resident.

Some people involved in rescue operations said they were targeted as they tried to help others.

"We were trying to help health care workers by evacuating the injured and the dead from the mountains. It was impossible to take the road because whatever went up there was targeted. While we were discussing other routes, suddenly a missile fell in front of us out of nowhere, everyone lay down on the ground and I was badly injured," said Muhammad Eisa, a firefighter who got injured while trying to extinguish the fire and help people.

The Syrian Foreign Ministry condemned the airstrikes, calling them a continuation of Israeli "aggression" aimed at escalating tensions in the region.

Israeli airstrikes in Syria cause death, injury