President Xi Jinping's visit to Europe is expected to bear rich fruits, said Zhai Jun, China's Ambassador to France and Monaco in an interview.

President Xi is paying state visits to Italy, Monaco, and France until March 26, marking the first overseas trip in 2019 by the Chinese head of state.

"President Xi's visit to Monaco, the first-ever by a Chinese head of state, is sure to be of historic significance to bilateral relations," Zhai said.

The Head of State of the Principality of Monaco, Albert II, has been friendly to China and cares about China's development, Zhai noted.

Not only a supporter for sports, Prince Albert II has also actively participated in many environmental activities in China such as protection for Siberian tigers and cleaning up Taihu Lake, the ambassador said.

China and Monaco have set a model of friendship and common development between countries of different sizes.

Xi's state visit to France, his second within five years, will coincide with the 55th anniversary of China-France diplomatic ties and is of special significance to bilateral relations.

With the world witnessing changes unseen in a century, the leaders will have in-depth discussion on major international issues and send out positive signals about upholding multilateralism and improving global governance, Zhai stressed.

France has always held a positive attitude toward China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). President Macron expressed support for BRI during his visit to China last year, Zhai noted.

"We are having active negotiations, and will strive to achieve results, for example, pragmatic cooperation under the BRI framework," the ambassador said.

"I believe President Xi's tour will bear rich fruits," Zhai said.