Chinese President Xi Jinping is paying a state visit to France as the two countries celebrate their 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Fifty-five years ago, France became the first major Western country to establish diplomatic relations with China.
In a signed article published in a French newspaper ahead of his arrival, Xi said he would bring goodwill to France, a special friendship to the French people and the expectations to enhance relations.
Xi said his expectations are based on the two countries' past 55 years of mutual support and win-win cooperation, and from the great potential and future prospects that our bilateral relations hold.
China and France now stand at a new starting point. Xi called on the two countries to join hands and set off on a common journey towards new and greater achievements in their cooperation.
(Produced by Liang Peiyu and Chen Lidan)