From March 22 to 24, a delegation headed by French Ambassador Bertrand Lortholary visited Fuzhou, Xiamen, and Quanzhou.

On March 23, Governor Zhao Long met with Ambassador Bertrand Lortholary in Fuzhou. Zhao stressed that Fujian always sets great store by cooperation and exchanges with France, applauding the notable achievements from bilateral cooperation on trade, economy, and green development, as well as exchanges between peoples and friendship cities in recent years.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Zhao called for joint efforts to deliver on the agreement reached by our two Presidents to build a more solid and dynamic China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. He also expressed Fujian’s readiness to work with France to deepen cooperation on trade, green sectors, and clean energy, and expand exchanges between friendship cities on culture, sports, and education.

Noting the sound foundation for bilateral exchanges and cooperation, Ambassador Bertrand Lortholary encouraged Fujian enterprises to invest more in France. He said that the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism and the Paris Olympics will present opportunities for both sides to enhance cooperation in trade, biodiversity, climate change, culture, and colleges.

During their stay in Xiamen and Quanzhou, the delegation visited Xiamen Tungsten, Anta Group, and Kaiyuan Temple.