CGTN caught up with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the status of China-France ties and Europe's future. Here's what President Macron had to say.

EMMANUEL MACRON PRESIDENT OF FRANCE "I have decided to visit China at least once a year in my 5 year tenure, as trust needs to be gradually built. On economic ties, I hope the two sides could strengthen the cooperation, including the strategic cooperation in industrials and nuclear energy. I also hope we could build a more direct, honest and open relationship, to clarify what sectors are open to each other's investments, what sectors are not." 

"We need to discuss the framework for belt and road partnerships. My focus is that the sovereignty, union and democracy of the EU remain intact. For Asia and Africa, it's important to look at what kind of balance countries can achieve under the partnerships. I think Chinese President Xi Jinping has successfully promoted the idea, now all leaders should think about it and EU leaders need to have a clear and unified position on that."

"I'm calling for the establishment of an 'open pioneer' group, gathering countries that want to deepen the integration of the EU. The foundation of that are France and Germany, and I know Italy, Spain and Austria are all willing to join, as well as Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. We will have a ten year plan that follows that direction."