Noting Macron's visit is the first one by a European head of state after the full resumption of China's exchanges with the world in the post-pandemic era and the successful conclusion of China's "two sessions", Xi said the visit will inject new momentum and bring new vitality to China-Europe relations.

Xi welcomed Macron's state visit to China after a lapse of over three years. He noted over the past three years despite a changing and unstable international landscape, China and France have worked together to maintain positive and sound growth momentum in their bilateral ties.