習近平會見法國梅裏埃基金會主席梅裏埃夫婦

新華社北京4月8日電（記者孫奕）4月8日，國家主席習近平在北京人民大會堂會見法國梅裏埃基金會主席梅裏埃夫婦。

習近平對梅裏埃夫婦以及梅裏埃基金會長期以來對中法關係發展以及中國衛生健康事業的關心和支援表示讚賞。

習近平強調，當今世界面臨百年未有之大變局，進入變亂交織的動蕩期。人類社會不僅要應對新冠疫情等衛生健康挑戰，也要面對巴以衝突、烏克蘭危機等地緣衝突。中方始終主張要和平，不要戰爭，呼籲止戰促和，推動構建人類命運共同體。今年是中法建交60週年。60年來，一代又一代人傳承和發展中法關係，兩國友好歷久彌堅。中方珍視中法友誼，願同法方進一步加強高層交往，密切交流合作，推動中法關係邁上更高水準。長期以來，中法在衛生健康領域開展了一系列合作，取得豐碩成果。歡迎梅裏埃基金會繼續同中方深化合作。

梅裏埃表示，感謝習近平主席百忙之中撥冗會見，這充分體現了對法國人民的友好情誼，令人感動。我和中國的交往和情誼始於46年前。多年來，我始終關注和欽佩中國的發展進步。梅裏埃基金會將繼續積極促進法中友好和衛生健康合作。

王毅參加會見。

Xi meets Merieux Foundation president and his wife

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with President of the Merieux Foundation Alain Merieux and his wife at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

BEIJING, April 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping met with President of the Merieux Foundation Alain Merieux and his wife Chantal in Beijing on Monday.

Xi expressed appreciation for the long-term support from the couple and the foundation for the development of China-France relations and China's health cause.

The world is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century and has entered a period of turmoil, Xi said, noting that human society not only has to deal with health challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic but also geopolitical conflicts such as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the Ukraine crisis.

China has always called for an end to war, advocated peace and promoted efforts to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

Noting that this year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations, Xi said the friendship between the two countries has become ever stronger thanks to efforts from generation to generation.

Xi said China cherishes its friendship with France and is willing to further strengthen high-level exchanges and cooperation with France to push bilateral relations to a higher level.

He added that China and France have carried out productive cooperation in health and the Merieux Foundation is welcome to continue deepening cooperation with China.

Merieux thanked Xi for taking time out of his busy schedule for the meeting, which fully reflects his friendly sentiments toward the French people.

Recalling that his bond with China began 46 years ago, Merieux said he has always followed and admired China's progress over the years, and the foundation will continue to promote France-China friendship and cooperation in the health sector. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping talks with President of the Merieux Foundation Alain Merieux at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 8, 2024. Xi met with President of the Merieux Foundation Alain Merieux and his wife in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)