China's top diplomat Wang Yi and French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna convened in Paris on February 15, 2023, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address global challenges and deepen bilateral relations. The meeting, held at France's Foreign Ministry, underscored shared priorities in diplomacy, trade, and climate action.
Strategic Partnerships Take Center Stage
Wang, Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, highlighted France as a 'core partner' in China-Europe relations, calling for enhanced dialogue on technology, clean energy, and multilateral governance. Colonna reaffirmed France's commitment to 'pragmatic cooperation,' particularly in stabilizing supply chains and advancing sustainable development goals.
Ukraine, Climate, and Economic Resilience
Sources close to the talks noted discussions on geopolitical tensions, including pathways to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis, alongside joint initiatives to accelerate green transitions. Both sides also explored expanding market access forä¸ĺ°Ź enterprises (SMEs) in AI and renewable sectors.
A Bridge Between East and West
Analysts view the meeting as a strategic move to bolster France-China trade, which reached $81.3 billion in 2022. Amid shifting global dynamics, the dialogue signals mutual interest in balancing competition with cooperation on critical issues like food security and digital governance.
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Wang Yi met with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna in Paris
cgtn.com
