Beijing, May 27th—Lu Kang, Vice-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin.  

Lu said, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Earlier this month, President Xi Jinping conducted a successful state visit to France, engaging in in-depth strategic communication with President Emmanuel Macron. This has charted the course for the next 60 years of China-France relations. The Chinese side is willing to work with the French side to uphold the spirit of establishing diplomatic ties featuring independence, mutual understanding, foresight and mutual benefit, implement the strategic consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote the sound and steady development of China-France and China-Europe relations, and contribute to world peace, stability and prosperity.  

Raffarin said, in recent years, the close interactions between the heads of state have led to high-level development of France-China relations. The French side values its relationship with China and is willing to further deepen practical cooperation with the Chinese side, strengthen communication and coordination on major international issues and provide more stability to an uncertain world.