At the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a state visit to China from April 5 to 7, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced on Monday.

When detailing the plans for Macron's visit at a regular press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said President Xi will hold talks with him to jointly plan and guide the future development of China-France relations.

The talks will also deepen cooperation in various fields of China and France, as well as China and Europe, she said, adding that the two leaders will have in-depth exchange of views on major international and regional hotspot issues.

China and France are both permanent members of the UN Security Council and world powers, Mao noted.

Under the strategic guidance of both leaders in recent years, China-France relations have maintained sound development, Mao said. 

Strategic communication between the two countries has been effective and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, she said, adding that both countries have maintained good communication and coordination in regional and international affairs. 

Taking this visit as an opportunity, China is willing to work with France to promote the closer and lasting China-France comprehensive strategic partnership to bear more fruits, aiming to play a positive role in the healthy development of China-Europe relations and make contributions to advancing world peace, stability and development, she added.

During his visit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will also hold talks with Macron, Mao said.

Macron will also pay a visit to Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, she added.

(Cover: French President Emmanuel Macron addresses media representatives during the G20 Summit in Rome, Italy, October 31, 2021. /CFP)