Xi talks with French president-elect Macron over phone

File photo of Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and French President-elect Emmanuel Macron (R)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated Emmanuel Macron on his election as French president.

In a telephone conversation, Xi said that China-France relations, with a profound historical foundation, hold an important position in China's diplomacy.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 53 years ago, Xi said, bilateral relations have weathered volatile changes on the international scene and have been increasingly strategic.

It meets the common expectation of the two peoples and international community to lift China-France relations from a new starting point to a new level, he said.

Xi stressed that China attaches great importance to France and China-France relations, and has, as always, regarded France as an important priority cooperation partner and viewed bilateral relations from a long-term strategic perspective, Xi said.

He called on both sides to carry forward their friendly ties, strengthen strategic mutual trust, accommodate their respective core interests and major concerns, and expand practical cooperation in various areas.

Xi said China welcomes the French side's participation in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, urging both sides to keep contact and coordination on international and regional issues, continue to advance global governance reforms and safeguard achievements of global governance such as the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The Chinese president also reaffirmed China's support for the European integration.

Macron, for his part, said he attaches great importance to France-China relations.

He said the new French government will continue to pursue its positive and friendly policy toward China, stick to the one-China policy, deepen practical cooperation in such areas as diplomacy, trade and industry as well as in the framework of the Belt and Road construction.

The new government will maintain close communication and coordination with China on major international issues such as climate change, the president-elect added.

Xi and Macron agreed to keep contact and meet each other at an early date so as to exchange views on bilateral ties and issues of common concern.