Zhai Jun, Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue, met with French Ambassador to China Bertrand Lortholary in Beijing on Tuesday, saying that China and France should work together to promote peace and help de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

Discussing the current situation in the Middle East, Zhai said the fighting continues to escalate and spill over, threatening regional peace and stability and weighing on the global economy and energy security.

As permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, China and France should uphold fairness and justice and support the parties concerned in returning to the right track of dialogue and negotiation, he said.

Lortholary said France is deeply concerned over the worsening situation in the Middle East and the negative impact of the fighting on the global economy.

He noted the five-point initiative put forward by China and Pakistan on restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region broadly aligns with France's position, adding that France stands ready to maintain coordination with China to help restore peace and stability in the region.