Xi hopes that his visit will pave the way for improved China-France cooperation

Speaking here on Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed his optimism that China and France will use history to illuminate their path forward, create a more promising future for their bilateral ties, and make fresh contributions to global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Xi arrived here for a state visit to France and made these comments in a written speech.

He stated that he will have a thorough discussion with French President Emmanuel Macron during the visit on how to develop China-France and China-Europe relations in light of the current situation, as well as important global and local issues.

“It is a great pleasure to begin my third state visit to the French Republic at Macron’s invitation. I hope this visit will help cement our long-standing friendship, enhance political trust, build strategic consensus, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields,” he stated.

In order to commemorate the 50th and 55th anniversaries of diplomatic relations with the French people, Xi traveled to France twice in the spring of 2014 and 2019.

“As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, I find myself walking back into your stunning country with a heavy sense of déjà vu. I would want to take this opportunity to send the French government and people my warmest greetings and best wishes on behalf of the Chinese government and people,” Xi stated.

China and France have a long history of mutual respect and admiration as significant representations of Eastern and Western civilizations, according to Xi.

Centuries ago, French Enlightenment intellectuals began researching Chinese culture, and notable French authors and thinkers like Diderot, Hugo, Voltaire, and Balzac are well-known in China, he continued.

He added that the two nations broke free from Cold War blocs and established ambassadorial-level diplomatic ties sixty years ago.

According to Xi, in the 60 years that have passed, bilateral ties have consistently kept pace with China’s relations with Western nations, serving as a model for how nations with disparate socioeconomic systems may live in harmony and work toward mutually beneficial collaboration.

The two nations’ collaboration in the fields of aviation, aerospace, nuclear energy, agrifood, and green development has advanced to new heights in the past few years, according to Xi.

He added that the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism is taking place all year long and that the two nations have excellent coordination and collaboration on climate response, biodiversity protection, and global governance.

“A growing China-France relationship not only brings benefits to both peoples, but also provides stability and positive energy to the turbulent world,” Xi remarked.

Chinese nationals living abroad gave the Chinese president a hearty welcome upon his arrival at Paris Orly airport, where he was met by French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.