On the afternoon of June 23, 2023 local time, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council met with French Senate President Gérard Larcher at the Petit Luxembourg Palace in Paris.

Li Qiang said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France nearly 60 years ago, the relations between the two countries have withstood the test of the changing international landscape and have always been a forerunner of China’s relations with European countries. In the face of profound changes unseen in a century, the two sides should keep to the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations, and jointly work for the in-depth development of China-France relations. China stands ready to work with France to consolidate cooperation in traditional industries, actively explore new areas of cooperation including green development, and carry out third-party cooperation. The development of Chinese modernization will provide great opportunities for French enterprises. Next year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France, and it is also the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, and the Paris Olympic Year. The two sides need to take this as an opportunity to step up people-to-people and cultural exchanges across the board and enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

Li Qiang pointed out that the Chinese and French legislatures have actively contributed to the development of relations between the two countries. China is ready to have closer exchanges between the legislative bodies of the two countries, strengthen dialogue and legislative experience exchange, provide better legal guarantees and policy support for bilateral practical cooperation, and jointly cope with global challenges. French senators are welcome to travel around China, and encourage more sub-national efforts to bring into full play the local strengths, and explore the potential for cooperation, to further strengthen bond of friendship and exchanges between the two sides.

Gérard Larcher said that both France and China cherish sovereignty and independence, and bilateral relations are full of vitality. Noting that next year France and China will celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the France-China Year of Culture and Tourism, he said France-China relations enjoy a brighter future. France is ready to deepen France-China relations, and the French Senate hopes to give full play to the role of the France-China Friendship Group and restart exchanges between the French Senate and the National People’s Congress of China as soon as possible.

Wu Zhenglong, among others, attended the meeting.