Xi: China-Monaco ties model for China-Europe cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Monaco on Sunday for a state visit to the Mediterranean country after his trip to Italy.

A welcome ceremony was held at the Prince's Palace of Monaco.

Xi was invited by Head of State of the Principality of Monaco Albert II, marking the first-ever visit by a  Chinese head of state to Monaco.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L2) and his wife Peng Liyuan (L1) meet Monaco Prince Albert II (R2) and Princess Charlene (R1) in Monaco, March 24, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

Monaco is the second leg of President Xi's three-nation Europe tour, following a state visit to Italy, which has formally joined the construction of the Belt and Road.

Xi is on his first overseas trip for the year after the government pledged to further open up Chinese markets at a major political gathering in March. 

China-Monaco ties model for China-Europe cooperation

China and Monaco have fostered a relationship of equality and sincerity over the past 20 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Xi said during the talks with Prince Albert II.

China-Monaco relations have been making steady progress with deepening practical cooperation on environmental protection, telecommunication and mobile payment, becoming a pace-setter and model for China-Europe cooperation, Xi said.

China's relationship with Monaco has stood out as an example of friendly cooperation between countries of different systems, and is characterized by strategic, stable and long-term significance.

Just six months back, Prince Albert II paid a state visit to China from September 5 to 8 at the invitation of President Xi, who said that the visits reflect a high level of China-Monaco relations.

Xi said the two countries must follow the correct direction for their bilateral ties, continuously consolidate traditional friendship and political mutual trust, and strengthen communication, coordination and mutual support in the UN and international affairs. 

China welcomes Monaco to participate in the construction of the Belt and Road, he said.

On his side, Prince Albert II firstly commended the achievements that China has made over the past seven decades. "This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and I congratulate on the remarkable achievements that China has made," he said. 

The two countries are now enjoying a good relationship, and Monaco hopes to expand cooperation with China in technology, innovation, ecology and environment, wildlife protection and renewable energy, Prince Albert II said. 

He also praised China's efforts to curb global warming, adding that he hopes to improve cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. 

(CGTN)