China and EU Commit to Strengthening People-to-People Exchanges for a Greener Future
In a significant move to enhance cooperation, the sixth meeting of the China-EU High-Level People-to-People Dialogue was held in Beijing on Friday. Chinese State Councilor Shen Yiqin and Iliana Ivanova, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, led discussions aimed at promoting people-to-people exchanges and practical collaboration between China and the European Union (EU).
The dialogue centered on the pivotal role of education in transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable society. Both sides acknowledged the necessity for more balanced student mobility, which faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the theme “Working Together for a Greener and More Sustainable Future,” the meeting highlighted the shared commitment to environmental stewardship and educational cooperation.
State Councilor Shen emphasized the importance of implementing the consensus reached by leaders of both China and the EU. She called for enhanced exchanges and cooperation in education, science and technology, culture, media, sports, youth, and women’s affairs. “By facilitating personnel exchanges, we can inject new vitality into the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the EU,” Shen stated.
Commissioner Ivanova expressed the EU’s willingness to collaborate closely with China to achieve tangible results in people-to-people exchanges and practical cooperation. She highlighted the active role of young people in society and their leadership in combating climate change. “It’s crucial for governments to support youth in developing an environmental mindset,” Ivanova remarked.
Established in 2012, the China-EU High-Level People-to-People Dialogue, alongside the High-Level Strategic Dialogue and the High-Level Economic and Trade Dialogue, forms one of the three main pillars of China-EU relations. This year’s meeting marked the first in-person dialogue since 2017 and followed up on the China-EU Summit held in Beijing in December last year.
Since the easing of pandemic-related restrictions, China and the EU have resumed exchanges and dialogue at all levels. Notably, European leaders such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have visited China, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening ties. Concurrently, China has extended visa-free entry to travelers from several European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Ireland, Austria, and Belgium, facilitating greater people-to-people connectivity.
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China, EU hold dialogue to promote people-to-people exchanges
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