Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris on Sunday for a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, along with other French high-ranking officials, warmly received Xi at the Paris Orly Airport. Xi noted in a written speech upon arrival that it is a great pleasure to begin his third state visit to the French Republic and celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-France ties with the French people.
Xi said as important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have a long history of mutual appreciation and admiration. He also noted that 60 years ago, the two countries broke through Cold War blocs and established diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, and in the 60 years since, bilateral relations have always stayed abreast of China’s relations with Western countries.