Xi Jinping and French President Macron jointly meet with reporters

On the afternoon of May 6, local time, President Xi Jinping met with French President Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris and then jointly met with reporters.

We have decided to do the following:

First, consolidate the strategic stability of bilateral relations. I welcome President Macron's visit to China again. Both China and France reiterate their mutual respect for each other's core interests and will make good use of the multi-level and multi-dimensional communication channels between the two countries to communicate and coordinate policy stances in a timely manner.

Second, tap the vast potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. Both sides will promote a balanced upward trend in bilateral trade, expand cooperation in agriculture, food, and finance, promote joint research and development and innovation in aerospace and civilian nuclear energy, strengthen the alignment of development strategies, and expand cooperation in emerging fields such as green energy, intelligent manufacturing, biomedicine, artificial intelligence, and third-party markets. China has fully opened up its manufacturing industry access and will accelerate the opening up of market access in the telecommunications and medical services industries. We encourage increased two-way investment and are committed to providing a good business environment for companies from each other's countries. During this visit, both sides signed 18 inter-departmental cooperation agreements covering aviation, agriculture, humanities, green development, and small and medium-sized enterprise cooperation.

Third, accelerate the "two-way rush" of people-to-people exchanges. Taking the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism as an opportunity, we will promote cooperation in education, sports, film and television, youth, and local areas. China supports France in hosting the Paris Olympics and welcomes more French friends to visit China. We have decided to extend the visa-free policy for short-term visits to China by citizens of France and 11 other countries to the end of 2025 and support the opening of a direct flight route from Shanghai to Marseille. The Fujian Shipbuilding Academy in China, which was built with the participation of French people 150 years ago, and the Work-Study Movement in France in the early 20th century are both good stories in the history of educational exchanges between the two countries. We welcome France to serve as the guest country of honor at this year's China International Education Conference and to push for more than 10,000 French students to study in China in the next three years and to double the number of European youth exchanges with China.

Fourth, build a greater consensus on global cooperation. Both sides will deepen cooperation in areas such as climate change and biodiversity and strengthen dialogue in areas such as global governance of artificial intelligence and reform of the international financial system. China supports France in hosting the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference and encourages the pairing of national parks and nature reserves in both countries.

Xi Jinping pointed out that the world today is not very peaceful. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and responsible major countries, China is willing to work with France, taking the Paris Olympics as an opportunity, to advocate for a global ceasefire during the Games.

Regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, this tragedy has lasted to this day, testing the conscience of humanity, and the international community must take action. We call for promoting the immediate achievement of a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, supporting Palestine's accession to the United Nations as a full member, supporting the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, restarting the "two-state solution," and achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Regarding the Ukraine crisis, China has repeatedly clarified its position. China is neither the creator of the crisis, nor a party or participant, but we have not stood idly by, but have been playing a positive role in achieving peace. China's Special Representative for Eurasian Affairs has begun a third round of shuttle diplomacy. At the same time, we oppose using the Ukraine crisis to scapegoat and smear third countries and incite a "new Cold War." History has repeatedly proved that any conflict can only be resolved through negotiation. We call on all parties to resume contact and dialogue and gradually build mutual trust; support the convening of an international conference at an appropriate time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, in which all parties participate equally and fairly discuss all peace proposals; and support the building of a balanced, effective, and sustainable European security framework.

Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. After 75 years of arduous struggle, China's national image and people's lives have undergone earth-shaking changes, but one thing has never changed, and that is our peaceful and benevolent nature, our broad and inclusive mind, and our pursuit of fairness and justice. It is rooted in more than 5,000 years of Chinese civilization and grows deep in the souls of the Chinese people. China is willing to work with countries around the world, including France, to develop friendly and cooperative relations on the basis of mutual respect, to move forward hand in hand, to share weal and woe, and to create a better future together.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and others were present.