China and France strengthen consular ties to new levels

An important event has taken place on the political map of France and global diplomacy. Two countries have declared their intention to deepen their cooperation in the consular sphere, which has the potential to significantly impact bilateral relations.

Official Meeting and Agreed-Upon Arrangements

The meeting took place on February 4, 2026, between Long Zhou, Director of the Consular Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and his French colleague Carmen, Director of the Department of Foreign Citizens Affairs and Consular Administration of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the Jin10 platform, both parties agreed on the implementation of important agreements reached at the leadership level of the countries.

The parties emphasized the critical need to deepen consular exchanges, which have specific goals and objectives. The discussion focused on practical mechanisms to simplify personnel exchange procedures between the two countries.

Prospects for Expanding Cooperation

Simplifying personnel exchanges will become a key target of close cooperation between China and France. This includes optimizing permit procedures for government officials, specialists, and other groups of citizens who regularly travel between the countries for professional purposes. Such measures reflect both nations’ commitment to practical, results-oriented partnership in the consular sphere, which will have long-term positive effects for citizens of both countries and strengthen diplomatic ties on the global diplomatic map.