Chinese FM: Xi's visits inject fresh impetus to China-EU ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping's Europe tour helps inject fresh impetus in the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and creates closer Asia-Europe cooperation to jointly build the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. [File Photo: CGTN]

Wang briefed accompanying journalists about the outcomes of the trip as President Xi wrapped up his tour, which saw him visit Italy, Monaco and France.

Deepen cooperation under BRI framework

Both Italy and France are comprehensive strategic partners of China, and Monaco is one of the friendliest Western countries towards China, Wang said, adding that the president's first overseas trip this year brought Chinese ties with the three countries to a new high.

Italy

During Xi's visit to Italy, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation within the framework of the BRI, making Italy the first G7 nation to officially join the BRI, Wang noted.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said he is very glad to seize the opportunity and participate in the joint construction of the Belt and Road and is convinced that it will help to fully tap the potential of Italy-China cooperation.

Monaco

On China-Monaco ties, Wang briefed that both leaders agreed to continuously consolidate traditional friendship and political mutual trust, and strengthen communication, coordination and mutual support in the UN and international affairs.

President Xi also welcomed Monaco to participate in the construction of the Belt and Road during his talks with Monaco Prince Albert II.

France

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of China-France diplomatic ties, the two sides agreed to carry forward high-level ties and forge a more solid, stable and vibrant China-France comprehensive strategic partnership on a new starting point in history.

The consensus was reached during talks between Xi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris.

Macron also hailed the close communication and coordination between the two countries and said France is willing to promote the continuous development of EU-China cooperation and strengthen EU's strategy with BRI.

Promoting multilateralism

Europe not only helped create but also supports the current international system. Xi's visits thus reached important consensuses with European leaders on upholding multilateralism and abandoning protectionist measures.

China attaches great importance to its friendship with Europe, Wang stressed, adding that a united and prosperous Europe is in line with a vision of a multipolar world.

Leaders agreed to accelerate the China-EU investment agreement negotiations, and strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional issues during Xi's visit, Wang added.