Beijing, May 26th—Ma Hui, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Jean-Paul Mulot, Vice President of the Hauts-de-France Regional Council of France, who was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries. 

Ma noted that France is known for its spirit of independence and took the lead in establishing diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China among major Western countries. China-France friendship boasts a long history. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, bilateral cooperation in various fields has advanced steadily. China’s unilateral visa-free policy for France has strongly promoted people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two countries. Practical cooperation at the local level is an important part of China-France relations. The Hauts-de-France region attaches importance to its cooperation with China, and Xavier Bertrand, President of the Hauts-de-France Regional Council, has made positive contributions to advancing China-France relations and inter-party exchanges. China stands ready to work with France to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in political parties, localities, and people-to-people and cultural fields, bringing benefits to the two peoples. China and the European Union (EU) share more common interests than differences. China always regards Europe as a partner and is willing to create more opportunities for Europe and the world through its own high-quality and stable development. It is hoped that France, as a core major country in the EU, will enhance the EU’s correct understanding of China and promote mutually beneficial cooperation between China and the EU. 

Mulot stated that China has achieved remarkable development in recent decades, leading the world in industry and technology. France always attaches importance to and actively develops its relations with China. The Hauts-de-France region, under the leadership of President Bertrand, is willing to continue strengthening dialogue and exchanges with China in various ways, deepen trade and investment cooperation, enhance people-to-people bonds, and promote greater progress in France-China relations. The EU and China should strengthen strategic communication, effectively manage economic and trade differences, and strive for common development.