Beijing, 5 May (Zhongxin Net) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced on 8 May that State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang will visit Germany, France, and Norway from 8 to 5 May at the invitation of German Foreign Minister Baerbock, French Foreign Minister Colonna, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Wittfeldt.
At the regular press conference on the same day, a reporter asked: German Foreign Minister Baerbock just visited China last month, what are the specific considerations for State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang to visit Germany within one month? How does China evaluate the current Sino-German relations?
Wang Wenbin: Both China and Germany are big countries with international influence. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, China and Germany have always adhered to mutual respect, equal treatment, seeking common ground while reserving differences, and mutual benefit and win-win results, which has not only promoted Sino-German cooperation, but also led the development of China-EU relations. During his visit, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang will strengthen dialogue and communication with the German side, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of the all-round strategic partnership between China and Germany.
Another reporter asked: How does China evaluate the current Sino-French relations? Can you further elaborate on the arrangements for State Councilor Qin Gang's upcoming visit to France? What are your expectations for this visit?
Wang Wenbin: China and France are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and independent powers. Last month, President Macron paid a successful state visit to China. Under the joint leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Macron, China-France relations have maintained a good momentum of development, fruitful strategic communication between the two countries, fruitful practical cooperation, and good communication and cooperation in international and regional affairs.
During the visit, State Councilor Qin Gang will have an in-depth exchange of views with the French side on the implementation of the consensus reached by the two heads of state, promote exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in various fields, and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France to a new level. State Councilor Qin Gang will also hold consultations with French Foreign Minister Colonna on the leader of the China-France high-level people-to-people exchange mechanism, taking the opportunity of preparing for the 2024th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France in 60 and the Sino-French Year of Cultural Tourism to comprehensively compare the next stage of exchanges and cooperation in the field of humanities between the two countries.
Another reporter asked: How does China evaluate the current relations between China and Norway? What are China's expectations for this visit?
Wang Wenbin: In recent years, China-Norway relations have maintained a good momentum of development. Under the guidance of the important consensus of the leaders of the two countries, the two sides have shown many highlights of cooperation in the fields of economy and trade, marine, green and winter transportation, and have closely coordinated in climate change, biodiversity and multilateral affairs of the United Nations, and bilateral relations have shown sufficient vitality and potential.
Next year will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Norway. China looks forward to strengthening bilateral exchanges, consolidating mutual trust, promoting cooperation and pushing China-Norway relations to a new level in the new era. (End)