Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris, France on Sunday afternoon, to pay a state visit to the country at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron.

Upon his arrival, Xi said in a written speech that China is ready to consolidate traditional friendship, enhance mutual political trust, build strategic consensus, deepen exchanges and cooperation with France.

Xi noted in the speech that he will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Macron on growing China-France and China-Europe relations under the new circumstances and discuss major international and regional issues in the world today.

"I hope our two countries will light up our way forward with the torch of history, open a brighter future of China-France relations and make new contributions to world peace, stability and development," said the Chinese president.

This is the second state visit by President Xi to France in five years. It coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France and is of great significance to building on past achievements and opening up new prospects for bilateral relations.

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal received Xi at Orly Airport.

After his trip in France, Xi will pay state visits to Serbia and Hungary.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in Paris for a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, May 5, 2024. /Xinhua)