In the picturesque Hautes-Pyrénées mountains of southwestern France, French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan on Tuesday. The warm reception took place at L'Etape du Berger, a renowned mountain restaurant located at the legendary Col du Tourmalet, famous for its challenging Tour de France cycling climb.
Despite the falling snow and cloudy skies, the atmosphere was cozy and inviting as the leaders enjoyed a traditional folk dance performance by local villagers before lunch. Seated by the window, they savored local delicacies while admiring the stunning mountain vistas.
The discussions between Macron and Xi covered a range of global issues, highlighting the importance of cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Xi emphasized the enduring legacy of Chinese civilization, which has persisted uninterrupted for over 5,000 years, fostering a deep commitment to national unity among the Chinese people.
He noted that while China and France have distinct civilizations and social systems, they can coexist harmoniously without seeking uniformity. Both nations are dedicated to fostering dialogue and cooperation, which Xi believes can lead to significant contributions to global peace and development.
The meeting exemplified the strengthening ties between France and China, demonstrating a shared commitment to collaboration and mutual respect on the international stage.
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Macron hosts Xi at mountain restaurant in picturesque southern France
cgtn.com
