China, France should work together to uphold multilateralism: envoy

Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye speaks to Chinese press in Paris, France, on Aug. 14, 2019. China and France should consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, work together to uphold multilateralism, improve global governance and inject more positive energy into this world plagued by unilateralism and protectionism, said Lu Shaye. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)

PARIS, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- China and France should consolidate political mutual trust, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, work together to uphold multilateralism, improve global governance and inject more positive energy into this world plagued by unilateralism and protectionism, said Chinese ambassador to France Lu Shaye.

"The Sino-French ties are built on long-term interests of both sides with a strategic vision. We should always take a strategic perspective when developing bilateral relations and handling international affairs," said Lu when meeting Chinese press earlier this week.

Lu is posted as Chinese envoy to France in August after serving as ambassador to Canada since 2017.

He recalled the successful state visit paid by the Chinese leader to France last March, which, according to him, "greatly enhanced the level of our relations".

"During that visit, the heads of state of our two countries reached broad consensus following a full exchange of views on bilateral relations and major international," he said.

The diplomat believes that the significance of the Sino-French relations goes beyond bilateral as both countries are permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and major country in the world.

"Our relations are of global significance in regard to the safeguard of peace and stability and the promotion of development and cooperation across the world."

"Nowadays the world suffers more factors of instability while protectionism, unilateralism and the trend of anti-globalization are on the rise. Under this circumstance, China and France should work together to uphold multilateralism, improve global governance and inject more positive energy into the world to offset the negative effects caused by the unilateral and protectionist acts of certain countries," said Lu.

The two countries should strengthen cooperation in international affairs, such as the safeguard of the authority of the United Nations and the reform of the World Trade Organization; play a leading role and set a good example in addressing the climate change; expand the potential of co-working in fields like development assistance, development cooperation and third-party market collaboration, he suggested.

"France, as one of the core member states of the European Union, plays a vital role in building Europe. China is willing to work with EU countries including France to jointly promote the development of our bilateral relations," he added.

Regarding the two countries' efforts at implementing third-party market cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Lu said that China and France aim at jointly contributing to the development of developing countries by improving their infrastructure and launching projects of production.

Lu also noted that France promotes its culture in a unique way. "China and France are both countries with great culture born from old civilization. We should appreciate each other and learn from each other," he said.

"We should maintain close communication, properly handle issues concerning core interests and major concerns and adhere to the principle of mutual respect and seeking common ground while accommodating differences," the envoy said.

"I believe that, with the attention attached by the heads of state of our two countries, the Sino-French relations will maintain the strong momentum," he added.