Li Keqiang Meets with French President Hollande Stressing Convergence of Interests of Two Countries for Mutual Benefit and Win-win Result

2013/04/26

On April 26, 2013, Premier of the State Council Li Keqiang met with French President François Hollande in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.

Li noted that Sino-French relationship is comprehensive, strategic and innovative and the two countries have lots of common interests, common understanding and common propositions. It is, therefore, in the interest of both countries and the world to develop their relationship. New major agreements were reached during the fruitful talks between President Xi Jinping and President Hollande. The year 2014 will mark the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France. It is hoped that the two sides will set their eyes on long-term development and deepen their cooperation so that greater achievements will be scored in the next 10 or 50 years.

Li pointed out that there is much room for cooperation between the two countries as the two countries are quite complementary in their economies. Such potential should be translated into more practical results, the key of which is to strengthen the mentality of win-win result and innovate means of cooperation. Protectionism of all kinds is opposed to. Rather, the two countries should open wider their doors for two-way trade and investment and expand areas for cooperation. Not only do they need to cultivate the markets of both countries and promote a dynamic balance in two-way trade but also they need to expand their international market and enhance their competitiveness. Enthusiasm for cooperation at local levels should be given full play to and a fair and convenient environment should be created so that the micro-dynamics of thousands of businesses could add up for more extensive Sino-French cooperation.

Li said China expects to see a united, prosperous and stable Europe and promised that China would continue to support Europe in its effort to deal with sovereign debts.

Hollande remarked that the relationship between France and China is good and cooperation between the two countries in various fields is fruitful. The world needs China as well as France. The two countries should be committed to promoting global governance and coping with various challenges. The French economy and the Chinese economy are interdependent. So are the European economy and the Chinese economy. France is ready to deepening and expanding its cooperation with China in various areas and stands with China against trade protectionism and calls for mutual benefit and win-win result. France appreciates China's support to Europe and euro and will play a bigger role in promoting EU-China relationship.