On March 27, 2014, President Xi Jinping met with French Senate President Jean-Pierre Bel in Paris.

Xi Jinping stressed, the leaders of both countries, with extraordinary strategic thinking, profound historical perspective and resolute political courage, made the historic decision to establish China-France diplomatic relationship 50 years ago. My visit to France this time is the journey to relive our friendship while to look into the future. Multi-polarization, economic globalization, cultural diversification, and democratization of international relations are the trend of our times. Developing China-France relations should be on the basis of a friendly people-to-people relationship with practical cooperation as its pillar and political mutual trust as its key. China and France should inherit and promote the spirit of innovation and strengthen cooperation to enable China-France relations to withstand various vicissitudes, to keep going forward and to bring benefits to the two peoples so as to make greater contribution to the peace and prosperity of the world. I believe that China-France relations will surely embrace a brighter future.

Xi Jinping appreciated the friendly policy that Bel and the French Senate have been performing towards China and hoped that the French senators will positively support the China-France cooperation.

Bel said that President Xi Jinping's state visit to France on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of France-China diplomatic relationship is of special historic significance. Both France and China have been advocating world multi-polarization and enjoying a time-honored and splendid civilization, while sharing a willingness to strengthen cooperation. The French Senate admires China's achievements in development and is willing to continuously strengthen the friendly exchanges with China.

Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi and others were present.