On February 6, 2024, the Qingdao-France Marine Cooperation Exchange Conference, themed "Meet France, Understand Qingdao," was held at the "Ocean Decade" International Cooperation Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Cooperation Center") in Qingdao West Coast New Area.

During the visit, Ambassador Bai Yutang gained a comprehensive understanding of the basic situation of the Cooperation Center.

At the exchange conference, Meng Qingsheng, Director of the Qingdao Municipal Marine Development Bureau, introduced the city's overview as well as its advantages in blue economy, scientific and technological talents, and openness to the outside world.

Ambassador Bai Yutang emphasized that marine biodiversity is a significant global challenge facing humanity, and it is imperative to reverse the deterioration of the marine ecological environment. He expressed his wish that the Ocean Decade would serve as an opportunity to further intensify the cooperation between China and France in marine scientific research and the protection of marine biodiversity, etc., respond to global challenges with joint efforts, and boost the sustainable development of the ocean.

Ambassador Bai Yutang leaves a message for the Cooperation Center: congratulations to the Qingdao Municipal Government and the Ocean Decade International Cooperation Center for their contributions to protecting the ecological environment. I wish that China and France can make concerted efforts to protect the common wealth of humanity - the ocean, particularly under the vision of the UN Ocean Conference to be held in Nice, France in June 2025.