Cui Yonghui, secretary of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee, met with Bertrand Lortholary, French Ambassador to China, and his delegation on March 23.
Cui welcomed the ambassador and his delegation, saying that as a gateway city in China, Xiamen is known for its openness and willingness to reform. Promoting cross-Strait integration and development and fostering civility are among Xiamen's most significant responsibilities.
Xiamen has long maintained close ties with France, and the results of their exchanges and cooperation have been fruitful. The city will take the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries as an opportunity to further deepen cultural exchanges, strengthen interactions between friendly exchange cities, and enhance economic and trade cooperation, added Cui.
Lortholary said that Xiamen is a renowned modern international city with a long history, beautiful environment, top-notch universities, and a favorable business environment, making it an attractive destination.
France enjoys a close and fruitful relationship with Xiamen, with a number of French companies investing in the city. "We hope to further enhance friendly relations with Xiamen, expand cooperation in culture, education, tourism, technology, and more, and better benefit the people of both places," added Lortholary.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
