Guo Yile speaks at the reception in Guangzhou on Jan 26. Photo: Courtesy of the Foreign Affairs Office of Guangdong provincial government

In commemoration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and France, the Consulate General of France in Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong Province, hosted a reception in the city on January 26. 

The historic establishment of ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations on January 27, 1964, marked a seminal moment in international relations. 

In attendance was Guo Yile, deputy secretary-general of the Guangdong provincial government, who said that, guided by the diplomatic leadership of the heads of state of China and France, the economic and trade cooperation between Guangdong and France within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership, has yielded fruitful results. 

2024 is the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, in which Guo expects a series of French artistic and cultural events to resonate with Guangdong's distinctive culture, promoting cultural cooperation and exchange between China and France, Guo noted.

Consul General Sylvain Fourrière addressed that the relationship between China and France is reflected in various crucial collaborative projects, with notable progress in areas such as medicine, science, and nuclear energy in Guangdong. He also expressed gratitude to all contributors dedicated to the development of China-France relations.