Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral ties, int'l affairs

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone call on Friday with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, and they discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on international affairs.

Wang said Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, held a phone call last month, reaching important consensus on strengthening strategic coordination between the two countries.

Both sides should make preparations for the exchanges at all levels in the next stage, and China welcomes senior French representatives to the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai in 2025.

Noting that the two sides have reached consensus on resolving economic and trade issues through dialogue and consultation, Wang stressed the need to enhance people-to-people, cultural and educational exchanges between the two countries, so as to promote the sound development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership and the China-EU relations.

Wang said that China and France, both upholding a tradition of independence and autonomy, should enhance strategic mutual trust and respect each other's core interests.

He stressed the Taiwan question is an internal affair of China concerning the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, which is fundamentally different from the Ukraine issue.

China attaches great importance to France's commitment to the one-China policy, he said, adding that China believes France will turn this commitment into practice.

Wang expressed China's hope that France will uphold the right position and oppose NATO's interference in Asia-Pacific affairs, emphasizing that the two countries should jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard free trade, while opposing unilateral bullying practices.

For his part, Barrot welcomed Chinese Vice President Han Zheng to attend the UN Ocean Conference in France, noting that France-China relations are growing more important for today's world in increasing uncertainty.

France always regards China as a friend and partner, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and looks forward to maintaining high-level exchanges and close strategic communication with China, he said.

Strengthening people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two sides will send a strong signal of opening up, which is of great significance at present, Barrot said, adding that France opposes trade wars and tariff wars, and is willing to continue to properly resolve economic and trade frictions through consultation.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues concerning Ukraine, Gaza, as well as Iran's nuclear program.

Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral ties, int'l affairs

Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral ties, int'l affairs

Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral ties, int'l affairs

Chinese, French FMs hold phone talks on bilateral ties, int'l affairs

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation