Amid a picturesque snowfall in the Hautes-Pyrénées region of southwestern France, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, were warmly welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, on Tuesday. The leaders met at L’Etape du Berger, a charming mountain restaurant nestled at Col du Tourmalet, a legendary peak in the Tour de France cycling race.
Upon arrival, the couples were greeted by local villagers performing traditional folk dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Inside the cozy restaurant, with snowflakes drifting outside and clouds stretching across the sky, the presidents and their wives enjoyed local delicacies while gazing at the majestic mountains.
In this serene and cordial atmosphere, President Xi and President Macron engaged in meaningful dialogue on a range of global issues. President Xi remarked on the enduring nature of Chinese civilization, emphasizing its uninterrupted history of over 5,000 years. He highlighted the Chinese people’s deep commitment to their country, particularly regarding national unification, which they value greatly.
“Though China and France have different civilizations and social systems, we can coexist in harmony without seeking uniformity,” President Xi stated. He expressed confidence that through enhanced cultural and people-to-people exchanges, both nations could contribute positively to world peace and development.
President Macron echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of dialogue and cooperation between China and France. The meeting reinforced the strong bilateral relations and showcased a shared commitment to addressing international challenges collaboratively.
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Macron hosts Xi at mountain restaurant in picturesque southern France
cgtn.com
