Meetings for promoting stability and development

By Ina Stašević from Croatia/Europe: The world is far from peaceful. However, some members of the United Nations Security Council are making great efforts, working together to find constructive solutions. In this context, at the invitation of Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, paid a state visit to France from May 5 to 7, 2024. The two heads of state exchanged detailed views on the situation in the world, especially in the Middle East. 

China and France condemn all violations of international humanitarian law, including all acts of terrorist violence and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. The two heads of state expressed their opposition to the Israeli offensive on the Rafah, which would lead to a humanitarian disaster of greater proportions, as well as to the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians. 

They also stressed that an immediate and sustainable ceasefire is urgently needed to allow the delivery of large-scale humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the guarantee of humanitarian access to meet their medical and other humanitarian needs, as well as for the respect of international law regarding all detainees, the implementation of relevant United Nations resolutions, in particular Security Council resolutions 2712, 2720 and 2728. 

This protracted tragedy in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is a test of human conscience. The international community must act. China calls on all parties to work towards an immediate, comprehensive, and sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. Supporting the full membership of Palestine in the UN and the restoration of Palestine's legitimate national rights and the resumption of the two-state solution, to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East. 

China has expressed its position on the Ukrainian crisis on several occasions. China did not start the Ukrainian crisis, it is neither a party nor a participant in it, but it plays an important role for peace. At the same time, China opposes attempts to use the Ukraine crisis to vilify a third country or to instigate a new cold war. History has repeatedly proven that conflicts can ultimately be resolved only through negotiations. 

The two heads of state called on all parties to refrain from unilateral measures on the ground that could worsen tensions, and in this sense, they condemned Israel's policy of building settlements, which violates international law and represents a major obstacle to lasting peace. In addition, they expressed deep concern about the risk of escalation in the region and called for the prevention of regional turbulence. It is certain that China and France are working with their partners to de-escalate the situation and call on all parties to exercise restraint. 

Xi and Macron agreed and stressed the importance of preserving freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and called for an immediate end to attacks on civilian vessels to preserve maritime security and global trade and prevent regional tensions and humanitarian and environmental risks.

And not least, the two heads of state called for the observance of the Olympic truce during the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Olympic Truce calls on all parties to cease hostilities during the Games. As conflicts spread and tensions rise, the ceasefire is an opportunity to work towards a lasting solution to the conflict in full respect of international law. 

I hope that this visit will help strengthen friendship, strengthen political trust, build strategic consensus, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields for the benefit of all of us. To open a brighter future and make new contributions to world peace, stability, and development. 

After visiting France, President Xi visited Serbia and emphasized that Serbia is China's first comprehensive strategic partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Their bilateral cooperation gave a strong impetus to development and revitalization and brought tangible benefits to the two nations. In the new circumstances, Serbia became the first European country to build relations with China for a common future. A future that represents their common values and goals, a common search for development, a win-win cooperation. These are the common aspirations of China, Serbia and all countries that are committed to independence and development. By building a Chinese-Serbian community with a common future in the new era, the two sides will continue to deepen and expand high-quality cooperation. 

In a state visit to Hungary at the invitation of President Tamás Sulyok and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the two sides confirmed that Hungary has favorable opportunities for the development of Eastern and Western economies and technologies. In this sense, the Hungary-Serbia railway is an important project within the Belt and Road cooperation, and a leading cooperation project between China and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (China-CEEC Cooperation). Both sides are ready to actively promote the construction of the Hungarian part of the Hungary-Serbia railway, and to jointly promote high connectivity in Central and Eastern Europe. 

China's modernization will bring new opportunities for economic cooperation and trade between these countries. This concludes the meetings at the highest national level.