(MENAFN) During a bilateral meeting in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on French President Emmanuel Macron to “make new contributions toward promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world” and stressed that the two nations should uphold multilateralism.

Xi welcomed Macron, who arrived on a three-day state visit, with an official ceremony on Wednesday.

Xi described China and France as “independent, visionary, and responsible major countries and constructive forces in promoting multipolarity in the world and solidarity and cooperation among humanity,” according to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. He added, “China is ready to work with France to uphold equal dialogue and open cooperation,” and emphasized that Beijing seeks to collaborate with Paris to advance their comprehensive strategic partnership and “make new contributions toward promoting an equal and orderly multipolar world, as well as universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.”

The Chinese leader also stressed the importance of “eliminating interference” in bilateral relations to maintain stability. Highlighting global uncertainty, Xi said the two countries “should demonstrate their responsibility, uphold the banner of multilateralism … and firmly stand on the right side of history.”

During the visit, Xi and Macron attended the signing of cooperation agreements and the closing ceremony of the seventh China-France Business Council meeting. They agreed to focus on four key areas: strengthening political mutual trust, expanding practical cooperation, promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and furthering “reform and improvement” of global governance. Mao stated, “The two sides will understand and support each other on matters involving each other’s core interests and major concerns.”

The two countries also pledged to facilitate balanced economic and trade development, increase bilateral investment, and provide a “fair, transparent, nondiscriminatory, and predictable business environment.” Xi emphasized the need to “renew the original aspiration for establishing diplomatic relations, seize opportunities to deepen cooperation, and work for the steady and sustained growth of bilateral relations,” while noting that expanding economic and trade cooperation would enhance resilience.

Macron highlighted the importance of addressing “peace and economic rebalancing” during his visit and stressed France’s determination to collaborate with China and other partners, particularly as his country prepares to assume the G7 presidency in January. He said, “Together we can change things.”

As part of the visit, Macron and his wife Brigitte were received by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Macron is scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang and top lawmaker Zhao Leji before traveling with Xi to Chengdu for one-on-one discussions. Key topics are expected to include bilateral relations, trade, U.S. tariffs, and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

The two leaders will also discuss China-EU relations, with trade between the EU and China reaching roughly $785.8 billion last year. In parallel, the EU launched a €3-billion ($3.5-billion) plan to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals, including rare earths. During talks in Beijing, Wang warned Macron of tensions surrounding recent remarks on Taiwan by Japanese leaders and urged China and France, as former victorious powers of World War II, to jointly resist attempts to revive militarism or provoke cross-strait tensions.

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