French first lady meets her "old friend" in China

China

French first lady meets her "old friend" in China

2025-12-06 03:45 Last Updated At：18:17

French first lady Brigitte Macron paid a special visit to an old friend in southwest China's Chengdu on Friday, as she stopped off to see an eight-year-old male panda which was born in France but was later returned to China.

The happy encounter came as French President Emmanuel Macron's three-day state visit to China reached a heartwarming conclusion, with Brigitte Macron heading to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province to be reunited with Yuan Meng (meaning "accomplishment of a dream"), the panda she helped name following its birth at France's ZooParc de Beauval (Beauval Zoo).

Yuan Meng's parents, Huan Huan, and Yuan Zi, arrived in France in 2012 at the age of three on a 10-year loan from China. In 2017, Huan Huan gave birth to twin cubs, the first cub died shortly after birth and the second one was named "Yuan Meng".

When "Yuan Meng" returned to China after completing its stay in France in July 2023, First Lady Brigitte went to the airport in person to see it off and expressed that she would come to China to see it if an opportunity arises.

This trip was her wish coming true. Upon arriving at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Brigitte was very concerned about "Yuan Meng's" life in China. She learned from the staff that "Yuan Meng" had adapted very well after returning to China and was being taken care of by dedicated breeders.

"We would be very glad if pandas could come to France again in the future," said the French first lady.

EU ready to help de-escalate situation in Middle East: statement

European Union (EU) leaders said on Monday that the bloc was ready to play a role in easing tensions in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation and a return to negotiations.

The EU stands ready to "contribute in every possible way to help de-escalate the situation and facilitate the return to the negotiating table," European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a joint statement following a video conference with leaders from the region.

They added that dialogue and diplomacy remain "the only viable way forward."

Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed the EU's commitment to regional stability in the Middle East, calling for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law, international humanitarian law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, according to the statement.

They also expressed "their openness" to enhance maritime defensive operations, which are aimed at protecting critical waterways and preventing any disruption to vital supply chains, the statement said.