Xi, Macron agree avoiding further deterioration in Gaza is paramount
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The Chinese and French leaders agree that the fundamental solution to the situation in Palestine is to implement a "two-state" principle.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping and France's President Emmanuel Macron attend a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday, April 6, 2023. (AP)
According to China Central Television (CCTV), Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron held a phone conversation in which they discussed the war on Gaza and agreed that the "two-state" principle is the only solution to the situation.
Earlier today, Arab and Muslim ministers urged for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza during their visit to Beijing, marking the initial stage of a diplomatic tour aiming to advocate for an end to the Israeli aggression on Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid to the devastated Palestinian Strip.
Additionally, the delegation intends to exert pressure on Western nations to reject "Israel's" "self-defense" justification for its ongoing aggression against Palestinians.
According to the broadcaster, the leaders feel that avoiding further aggravation of the situation is critical and that the primary answer is to adopt the "two-state" concept.
Read more: 'Israel' must stop killing women, babies in Gaza: Macron to BBC
CCTV added that Xi and Macron agreed to maintain collaboration on international and regional problems of mutual concern in order to contribute to the world's peace and stability.
Xi also stated that Beijing is willing to expand its collaboration with Paris, especially through the UN.
He expressed that "China is ready to strengthen its cooperation with France in the UN format as well as by means of other international mechanisms," hoping that Paris would "play a constructive role in promoting positive development of relations between China and the EU."
He also expressed optimism that Paris will create a fair and non-discriminatory environment for Chinese enterprises interested in investing in France and invited French companies to invest in China.
Macron, for his part, stated that France is willing to promote the ongoing growth of China-EU strategic alliance, stating that the future cooperation could be facilitated by France and would be "based on mutual respect and mutually beneficial cooperation."
'A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Gaza'
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has urged the international community to take immediate action to prevent the unfolding "humanitarian disaster" in Gaza.
Yi has recently attributed the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East to a lack of justice for the Palestinian people.
Diplomats from Arab and Muslim-majority nations, including a delegation from the Palestinian Authority, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, are currently in Beijing for discussions focused on de-escalating the ongoing war.
Addressing foreign ministers during the opening remarks in Beijing, Wang said, "Let us work together to quickly cool down the situation in Gaza and restore peace in the Middle East as soon as possible."
"A humanitarian disaster is unfolding in Gaza," Wang added.
It is worth noting that China's Foreign Ministry has consistently advocated for an immediate ceasefire and urged both "Israel" and Palestine to pursue a "two-state solution" for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Since the beginning of the war on Gaza, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has surpassed 12,300, including at least 6,000 children. UNRWA has lately estimated that nearly 1.7 million individuals have been displaced in the region since October 7, with almost 884,000 seeking shelter in 154 UNRWA installations, including those in northern Gaza.
