China, France pledge to strengthen strategic coordination

China and France agreed in Beijing on Friday to strengthen their strategic coordination.

The agreement was reached between Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and visiting French president's diplomatic counselor Emmanuel Bonne when they co-chaired the new round of consultation between the coordinators for the China-France Strategic Dialogue.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets visiting French president's diplomatic counselor Emmanuel Bonne in Beijing on Friday, July 19, 2019. [Photo: gov.cn]

China and France, both as permanent members of the UN Security Council, shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding world peace and stability, Wang said, stressing that the two countries should promote the international community to jointly combat global challenges.

Wang called on the two sides, as comprehensive strategic partners, to deepen mutual trust, respect each other on issues concerning core interests and major concerns, and boost mutually-beneficial cooperation.

For Bonne's part, he called for closer cooperation and concerted efforts of the two countries in safeguarding a more robust multilateralism and common benefits of all countries.

He voiced the French side's willingness to provide a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises.

Wang and Bonne also exchanged views on anti-terrorism and Iran's nuclear issues.