BEIJING, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday held a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Xi pointed out that over the past five years, he and Macron have kept close contact, led China-France relations to maintain a positive momentum of development, pushed for fruitful results in bilateral cooperation, and demonstrated the responsibilities of major countries in addressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation.

He said that in the face of profound changes unseen in a century, China and France, both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and independent major countries, should adhere to the original aspiration of the establishment of the diplomatic relations featuring independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, stick to the positioning of a close and lasting comprehensive strategic partnership, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and closely coordinate and cooperate at the bilateral, China-Europe and global levels.

The Chinese side is ready to work with France to continue keeping close exchanges at all levels, push for sound development of bilateral relations and safeguard world peace and stability, Xi added.

Source: Xinhua