Ukraine: President Xi supports France’s peace initiatives
China – Meeting between M. Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic, and Mr Xi Jinping, President of China – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic
Bali, 15 November 2022
President Macron had a meeting with Mr Xi Jinping, President of China, in Bali today, Tuesday 15 November 2022, on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
The French President expressed his deep concern about Russia’s decision to continue the war in Ukraine. The consequences of the conflict extend beyond Europe’s borders and must be overcome through close coordination between France and China.
The two heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to respect for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and agreed on the urgent need for de-escalation. They reaffirmed their firm position on preventing the use of nuclear weapons. President Xi lent his support to the initiatives taken by President Macron to work for peace.
The discussion also focused on the consequences of the conflict on the rest of the world. President Macron stressed that the contribution of the G20 members would be crucial for calming the agricultural markets. In this respect he recalled the efforts made by France and the European Union, including the export of Ukrainian grain by land and water.
In the current crisis situation, the two presidents talked about efforts to support the financing of the most vulnerable economies. They expressed their determination to make headway on the implementation of the Common Framework for Debt Treatments, and discussed the particularly urgent case of Zambia.
On the bilateral front, they expressed their wish to continue consolidating the strategic partnership between France and China, particularly in the aerospace, civilian nuclear energy and agrifood sectors, to ensure a balanced, mutually beneficial relationship.
Finally, our cooperation on global issues was discussed, particularly the climate and protection of biodiversity, with COP27 under way and looking ahead to COP15. President Macron reiterated France’s support for the commitments made by China aimed at decarbonizing the Chinese economy./.