(Xinhua/Li Xueren)
TARBES, France, May 7 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan were warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron on Tuesday at a mountain restaurant for a restricted meeting in the Hautes-Pyrénées department (southwest France).
Together, they watched a traditional folk dance performance by local villagers before lunch at the L’Etape du Berger restaurant, which is located on Col du Tourmalet, a famous Tour de France mountain pass.
Snowflakes were flying outside and clouds spread across the sky. The two presidents and their wives sat by the window looking at the mountains in the distance while tasting local delicacies. In a relaxed and cordial atmosphere, they talked about a series of important and critical issues for the world.
Xi noted that Chinese civilization is the only one that has continued uninterrupted for more than 5,000 years, which is why the Chinese people have a strong commitment to their country, especially with regard to national unification, which they value and appreciate.
In the eyes of the Chinese president, although the Chinese and French civilizations, one Eastern and the other Western, have different values and social systems, both are committed to exchanges between civilizations and mutual learning.
The two sides can coexist in harmony without seeking uniformity, Xi said, adding that through dialogue and cooperation, they will be able to make new contributions to world peace and development and human progress.
Xi assured that China is willing to work with France and Europe to improve people-to-people exchanges, strengthen economic and trade cooperation, build a correct perception of each other, and solidify and carry forward the stories of friendship between the Chinese people and the people of China. France and Europe.
For his part, Macron recalled his visit to China last year, especially the meeting in the Guangzhou Pine Garden, in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, which left him a deep and wonderful impression.
The French president said that through in-depth exchanges with Xi, he learned more about China’s history, culture, philosophy and development process and gained a better understanding of China’s position on important issues.
Given the uncertainties in the current international situation, it is vital that Europe maintains strategic autonomy, solidarity and unity, said Macron, for whom it is also essential that Europe develop a strong relationship with China and the parties improve bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Noting that France and China are permanent members of the UN Security Council, Macron expressed his willingness to maintain close communication with Xi and play a positive role in defending peace and stability in Europe and the world.
Expressing his gratitude to Macron and his wife for their warm hospitality and endearing arrangements, Xi said he and his wife had a wonderful and unforgettable time.
Xi stressed his willingness to maintain frequent interactions with President Macron and work with him to achieve solid and steady growth of China-France and China-European Union relations and to bring more stability and positive energy to this changing and turbulent world.
The Chinese president extended an invitation to Macron to pay another visit to China at a convenient time.
Before parting, the villagers sang a pastoral song, expressing gratitude to Xi and his wife for the visit and inviting them to return another time.
Impressed by the beautiful scenery and gastronomic specialties, Xi said he welcomes more high-quality agri-food products from France to the Chinese market and French visits to China.
After the meeting, Macron and Brigitte accompanied Xi and Peng on their way from Col du Tourmalet to Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées department) and held an official farewell ceremony at the airport.
On Tuesday evening, Xi, after concluding his visit to France, arrived in Belgrade and began his state visit to Serbia at the invitation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
(Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
