French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping met at the Tourmalet Pass in the Pyrenees for private meetings following Xi’s state visit to France. The meeting was a reciprocal gesture after Macron was taken to the residence of the governor of Guangdong province in China by Xi last year. The leaders, along with their wives, visited a mountain restaurant and watched a traditional folk dance performance before enjoying lunch. Macron presented Xi with gifts including a yellow Tour de France jersey, a woolen blanket made in the Pyrenees, and a bottle of Armagnac.
Xi’s visit to France included a grand state visit on Monday, with events such as a ceremonial welcome at the monument housing Napoleon’s tomb and a state dinner at the Elysee Palace attended by celebrities and magnates. The final day of Xi’s visit saw him depart from France in the Pyrenees, with a departure ceremony that included military fanfare. The Elysee expressed satisfaction with the dialogue between Macron and Xi, describing it as friendly and frank. Macron reportedly raised the issue of human rights with Xi during their discussions.
Xi’s trip to Europe is aimed at improving relations amidst global tensions. After leaving France, he heads to Serbia and Hungary. The last day of his visit to France coincided with authorities searching the European Parliament office of a prominent German far-right lawmaker in Brussels. Maximilian Krah, a top candidate of the Alternative for Germany party, has been under scrutiny after an assistant of his was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Macron’s discussions with Xi touched on various issues, including human rights and individual cases.
The meeting between Macron and Xi at the Tourmalet Pass comes at a time of trade disputes and Russia’s war in Ukraine dominating international headlines. The remote location, with snow coating nearby slopes and security measures in place, provided a picturesque backdrop for the leaders’ discussions. Macron’s personal connection to the area, having spent time there as a child visiting his grandmother, added a sentimental touch to the meeting. Despite the challenges and tensions in global relations, the meeting between Macron and Xi symbolized a commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.
The visit to the Tourmalet Pass allowed Macron and Xi to engage in private discussions away from the formalities of state visits and public events. The remote mountain location offered a peaceful setting for the leaders to exchange views on various issues of mutual interest. Macron’s gesture of inviting Xi to a place that held personal significance for him demonstrated a desire for a deeper connection between the two leaders. As they enjoyed local specialties and exchanged gifts, the meeting at the Tourmalet Pass highlighted the importance of personal relationships in international diplomacy.
As Xi continues his trip to Europe, the discussions held at the Tourmalet Pass are likely to have a lasting impact on Franco-Chinese relations. Despite differences and challenges, the meeting between Macron and Xi showcased a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and address important issues. The scenic backdrop of the Pyrenees mountains served as a reminder of the beauty of nature and the potential for collaboration and cooperation between nations. As Macron and Xi departed from the Tourmalet Pass, they left behind a symbol of friendship and diplomacy amidst the complexities of global politics.
