CCCWS Holds a Discussion with Dr. Justin Vaisse from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs
On the afternoon of 27 March, CCCWS Deputy Director-General Dr. Hu Hao held a discussion with Dr. Justin Vaisse, Director-General of the Policy Planning Center at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on China-France relations and China-France-Africa cooperation.
Dr. Vaisse says that both France and China have important common interests in Africa. The three sides should conduct cooperation mainly on development, business, security and research. From the perspective of development, France and China have carried out several joint projects, for example, coordination training of the medical staff from Africa, project development cooperation by the two countries’ enterprises, peace-keeping cooperation in Mali under the UN framework. From the perspective of business, in cooperation both sides should avoid repetition of the mistakes made in the colonial era of France, should not plunder the local resources nor to exploit the local people. The developed commercial programs should be not only conducive to the individual countries, but also conducive to the development of the whole African continent. From the perspective of security, all the actions should be incorporated into the multilateral mechanisms like the UN, and should bring the local people into the peace-keeping actions. It is unavoidable to strike terrorists with the use of force, but it should be authorized by the UN and follow closely to the international law. From the perspective of research, France and China should strengthen study on undertaking trilateral cooperation with Africa.
Dr. Hu Hao believes that Africa is an important part of China’s foreign policy. China-Africa cooperation is based on traditional friendship, as well as keeps pace with the times. China and France have conducted cooperation in humanitarian aid in Africa, resisting Ebola epidemic, and UN peace-keeping operation. Such cooperation has plaid an important role in protecting development and security of Africa. CCCWS is willing to conduct joint research and exchanges in relevant fields with the Policy Planning Center at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Also attendant at the discussion are CCCWS Research Fellow Mou Hong, Sun Binghui, Assistant Researcher Nie Shengquan; and Second Counselor Mr. Joan Valadou, and Director of the Ambassador’s Office Mr. Vincent Astoux.