On February 5th, 2020, Qin Gang, Chinese vice minister of Foreign Affairs, met with French Ambassador to China Laurent Bili.
Qin Gang introduced the latest situation of the prevention and control of the pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus. He stressed, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with President Xi Jinping at the core, the Chinese people, united as one, are working together to fight against the epidemic, and all work is progressing in an orderly manner. We have full confidence and capability to resolutely win the battle of the prevention and control of the contagion. The life and health of French citizens in China are guaranteed. It is hoped that the French side will view and support China’s efforts in a rational, calm and scientific manner.
On behalf of the French government, Laurent Bili expressed condolences for the epidemic in China. He said that it is admirable that the Chinese government has taken decisive and effective measures to address the outbreak of pneumonia. French and China have a profound traditional friendship. The French side will continue to respond to relevant work in an objective and calm manner and is willing to offer more help to the Chinese side. Meanwhile, the French side opposes the discriminatory attitude towards Chinese citizens and Asian people out of the contagion.
Besides, both sides have exchanged views on the relations between China and France. They agreed to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders of the state, ensure the success of high-level exchanges this year and deepen practical cooperation in various fields with the spirit of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, so as to make greater progress in promoting China-France relations.