Officials from 6 Chinese, French cities meet in Changsha to discuss cultural cooperation
By Mo Honge, Wang Yian, and Tang Xiaoqing
(ECNS) -- Government representatives from six Chinese and French cities met Tuesday in Changsha, Hunan province, to discuss cultural exchange and cooperation during the Mayors' Roundtable Dialogue at the seventh China-France Cultural Forum.
Zhou Zhikai, vice mayor of Changsha, described it as a "renowned city in Central China with a profound historical heritage, a city of mountains, rivers, and islands" with unique natural scenery, a city full of vitality and innovation, and a city of happiness that is livable, business-friendly, and attractive to people from near and far.
Zhou expressed his hope that Changsha would build close relations with more French cities, expand its "circle of friends" along the Maritime Silk Road, and jointly write a new chapter in Sino-French exchange and cooperation.
Marie-Do Aeschlimann, senator of Hauts-de-Seine of France, and member of the Social Affairs Committee, noted that the friendship between France and China has continued to grow since the establishment of diplomatic relations. She emphasized that, given the significant challenges facing the global economy, closer cooperation between the two governments is essential. She said France now holds a Chinese Youth Festival annually and expressed hope for more people-to-people exchanges in the future to help more French children learn about Chinese culture.
The vice mayor of Hefei, Anhui province, highlighted the diverse local culture, technological innovation achievements, green ecology, and accomplishments in opening up. Wang Haixia expressed the desire to further deepen people-to-people exchanges with France and enhance cooperation in technology, industry, education, culture, and tourism to help elevate Sino-French relations.
France's Vosges Senator Jean Hingray said he hopes the forum would build new bridges for in-depth exchange and cooperation between the two countries. He believes that, as a senator, he has a mission to promote French culture and, with the support of relevant foreign policies, provide the highest level of hospitality to Chinese friends. He aims to carry out diverse cultural exchange activities to help more people understand China and Changsha.
Chen Jinsong, vice mayor of Haikou, Hainan province, stated that the theme of this year's forum, "Pluralistic coexistence and harmonious progress," aligns closely with Haikou's urban identity. Haikou's deep connection with France is reflected not only in architectural aesthetics but also in multidimensional cooperative practices, he said. He hoped the forum would serve as a bridge to promote comprehensive exchange and cooperation between the two countries in performing arts, fashion consumption, green and low-carbon initiatives, high-tech industries, and other fields, sharing the fruits of development.
David Ros, French senator of Essonne and chairman of the France-China Friendship Group, shared his story of visiting China 10 times and his collaboration with Chinese experts from various fields. He was deeply impressed by the city's beauty. He feels a responsibility to promote exchange between the two countries, helping more people understand Chinese history and that of French sister cities, and to further promote cooperation in energy, economic transformation, education, healthcare between the two countries.
Culture guides future development, and mutual learning and exchange between cities are driving urban progress. Taking advantage of the Mayors' Roundtable Dialogue at this year's forum, cultural exchange and cooperation between Chinese and French cities are expected to flourish.