Chinese President Xi Jinping has commenced his third state visit to France, highlighting the strong and enduring partnership between China and France. Upon his arrival in Paris on Sunday, President Xi delivered a written speech emphasizing that China-France relations have long been at the forefront of China’s ties with major Western countries, setting a prime example for peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between nations with different social systems.
“I am delighted to begin my third state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron,” President Xi expressed. Reflecting on his previous visits in 2014 and 2019, which celebrated the 50th and 55th anniversaries of diplomatic relations, he noted a strong sense of familiarity as he set foot in France once again.
As China and France celebrate the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, President Xi underscored the historical ties and mutual admiration between the two nations. He highlighted how French Enlightenment thinkers studied Chinese culture centuries ago, and how prominent French philosophers and writers such as Voltaire, Diderot, Hugo, and Balzac are well-known in China.
“In recent years, our relationship has risen to new heights,” President Xi stated, citing significant progress in cooperation across various fields including aviation, aerospace, nuclear energy, agriculture, and green development. He also emphasized the close coordination between China and France on global issues such as climate change, biodiversity protection, and global governance.
President Xi noted that activities for the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism are unfolding across both countries, enriching cultural exchanges and mutual understanding. “A growing China-France relationship not only brings benefits to our two peoples but also provides stability and positive energy to the turbulent world,” he said.
During his visit, President Xi plans to engage in in-depth discussions with President Macron on enhancing China-France and China-Europe relations under new circumstances, as well as addressing major international and regional issues.
“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,” President Xi expressed, looking forward to opening a brighter future for bilateral relations and making new contributions to world peace, stability, and development.
Reference(s):
President Xi: China-France ties are model of win-win cooperation
cgtn.com
