The seventh meeting of the Sino-French High-Level mechanism for people-to-people and cultural exchange was held in Paris.

On July 4th local time, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, co-chaired the 7th meeting of the China-France High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism with French Foreign Minister Le Drian in Paris. Wang Yi said that last May, President Xi Jinping made a historic visit to France, celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations and steering the direction of China-France relations for the next 60 years. Both sides agreed to enhance mutual understanding among the people and accelerate the "two-way flow" of cultural exchanges. In the past year, guided by the consensus of the leaders, China and France have intensified cooperation in various fields and achieved positive results. The China-France Year of Culture and Tourism was a great success, with hundreds of activities and over 6,000 French students visiting China for exchange learning. Both sides have carried out a series of thematic activities on carbon neutrality, cultural heritage protection and restoration, and health and medicine. The weighty "report card" demonstrates the vitality of China-France people-to-people exchanges. Wang Yi stated that in a world where conflicts are frequent, quiet and steady cultural exchanges are needed more than ever; in a world full of chaos, collaboration is needed to find the right direction. As important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have long histories and splendid cultures, showcasing their beauty individually and collectively, and jointly bringing wisdom and enlightenment to human progress. The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France is not only a handshake between two independent great powers, but also a convergence of two great civilizations. The China-France High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism actively promotes cultural exchanges between the two countries and effectively promotes mutual understanding. This year marks the beginning of a "new era" in China-France relations, and the China-France High-Level People-to-People Exchange Mechanism is entering its second decade. Both sides should take the consensus of the leaders as guidance, inherit the spirit of independence, mutual understanding, foresight, and mutual benefit of the establishment of diplomatic relations, continuously deepen China-France cultural exchanges, set an example for cultural exchanges between China and Europe and even globally, and build bridges for constructing a community with a shared future for mankind. Firstly, strengthen youth exchanges. Implement President Xi Jinping's important initiative of "3 years and 10,000" and make good use of the exchange programs for Chinese and French youth ambassadors, interns, research partners, and outstanding young researchers. Secondly, deepen local cooperation. Innovate exchange and cooperation mechanisms. Revitalize sister city relationships, continue to hold successful China-France mayors' roundtable meetings, and restart local government cooperation high-level forums as soon as possible. Thirdly, facilitate personnel exchanges. China welcomes more French people to visit China and hopes that France will further facilitate visa applications for Chinese citizens to promote more convenient conditions for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Fourthly, maintain innovation leadership. Strongly support the construction of the China-France Carbon Neutrality Center and assist in the green and low-carbon development processes of both countries. Organize the Second China-France Education Development Forum. Strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation and jointly build an open and inclusive beautiful world.