Xi in France: Chinese President in France for state visit

World
Europe

01:50

Chinese President Xi Jinping wraps-up Day-2 of his state visit to France. It's part of a six-day European tour to boost ties. President Xi was the guest of honor at a state dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Xi Jinping toasted the "friendly and fruitful discussions". He also said China "attaches great importance" to its relations with Europe. CGTN's Stefan de Vries reports from Paris.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's European trip brought him from Italy to Paris on Monday for meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Chinese president was welcomed with full honors and a ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe.

The two leaders traveled to the Presidential Palace and discussed topics ranging from nuclear power to trade.

XI JINPING CHINESE PRESIDENT "Europe is a major pole in our multi-polar world, and it is one of China's most important partners. This is why I chose Europe for my first foreign visit in 2019."

Macron faces a challenge of balancing Beijing's growing global reach and a desire to deepen EU-China cooperation.

French President Macron said China has agreed to lift an embargo on French poultry.

EMMANUEL MACRON FRENCH PRESIDENT "I thank the (Chinese) president (Xi Jinping) for his help in this sector, which is important for both our countries."

Macron on Monday also called for a 'strong Europe-China partnership' which should be based on 'strong multilateralism' and 'fair and balanced' trade. Before meeting with Macron, Xi stopped in Monaco for talks about the economy and the environment.

STEFAN DE VRIES PARIS "Tuesday is another busy day for Xi Jinping. He'll meet in Paris with the President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and German Chancellor, Angela Merkel. Stefan de Vries, CGTN, Paris."