Peking University, Feb. 23, 2017: French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve is paying an official visit to China from Feb. 21 to Feb. 23 at the invitation of Premier Li Keqiang. On Feb.21, Cazeneuvepaid his first visit to Peking University and gave a speech on Sino-French relations at the Sunshine Hall of the Yingjie Exchange Centerof Peking Univeristy, and answered questions raised by student audiences. Cazeneuve noted that, Sino-French relationship has long been and will be strategic and special, and it will continue to influence the development of the world.
This official visit to China is Bernard Cazeneuve’s first visit to China under the title of Prime Minister, and he is the first European leader to officially visit China in the year of 2017.
Bernard Cazeneuve noted that, Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership was founded in 2004. It has received wide coverages. It has also made great contributions to global prosperity, stability and sustainable development.
He stressed that China and France are permanent members of the UN Security Council, and both have significant nuclear power. The two countries should continue to strengthen cooperation, undertake due obligations, and make the world more stable and more secure. Cazeneuve pointed out that China and France take special roles in the international environment. He said: “The two countries joined hands to make the 2015 Climate Conference in Paris sucessful, and it was our joint effort that made possible the signing of the global climate agreement.”
At the end of the speech, Bernard Cazeneuve answered questions raised by student audiences and explained the special advantagesFrance possesses for PKU students, compared to other western countries, in terms of academics and scientific research. He believes that, Chinese students studying in France and French students studying in China will be ‘representatives’ of each country when they finish their studies and come back to their homeland. Hence, they will continue to inherit the long and profound friendship between the two countries.
Before the speech, Hao Ping, chair of the Peking University Council, and Lin Jianhua, president of Peking University, along with Du Zhanyuan, Vice Minister of Education and Zhai Jun, Chinese Ambassador to France met with Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve and his delegation.
Reported by: Zhou Yingying
Edited by: Xu Liangdi
