On March 24, 2019 local time, President Xi Jinping held talks with Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Xi Jinping pointed out that he was glad to pay a state visit to the Principality of Monaco at the invitation of His Serene Highness Prince. This is the first visit by a Chinese president to Monaco. The similar national character and common spiritual pursuit of our two countries make us endeared friends who know each other. Since China and Monaco established diplomatic relations more than 20 years ago, the two sides have always treated each other as equals with sincerity and friendship. At present, China-Monaco relations are developing steadily, with bilateral practical cooperation keeping pace with the times and taking the lead in China-Europe cooperation in such new fields as environmental protection, telecommunications and mobile payment. China-Monaco relations have become a fine example of friendly exchanges between countries that are different in size and have different historical and cultural backgrounds and social systems.

Xi Jinping emphasized that I have exchanged visits with His Serene Highness Prince in about half a year, which demonstrated the high level of China-Monaco relations. The two sides should firmly grasp the correct direction of bilateral relations, constantly consolidate traditional friendship and political mutual trust, and strengthen communication, coordination and mutual support in the United Nations and on international affairs. Both sides should adhere to openness and cooperation and deepen mutual benefit and win-win results. The Chinese side welcomes the Monacan side to actively participate in international cooperation in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. The two sides should elevate cooperation on environmental protection. The Chinese side welcomes the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to conduct environmental protection public-service activities in China, so as to continuously enrich the connotations of people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

On behalf of the royal family, the government and the people of Monaco, Prince Albert II warmly welcomed President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Monaco. Prince Albert II said that on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, I congratulated China on its tremendous development achievements. Monaco-China relations have maintained sound development. Monaco is willing to expand cooperation with China in such fields as science and technology, innovation, ecological and environmental protection, wildlife conservation, and renewable energy. The Monacan side highly appreciates China's role in international affairs such as climate change, and stands ready to support the Chinese side in hosting the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity next year. Monaco supports the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and wishes it a success. Monaco is willing to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Monaco and China and enhance friendship between the two peoples.

Before the talks, Prince Albert II held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi Jinping.

Prince Albert II and his wife warmly welcomed Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan when they arrived at the palace courtyard by car. The military band played the national anthems of China and Monaco. The two heads of state reviewed the guard of honor together. After the review, both heads of state and their wives watched the march-past. Xi Jinping shook hands with main officials of the Monacan side, and Prince Albert II shook hands with the Chinese delegation members.

Ding Xuexiang, Yang Jiechi, Wang Yi, He Lifeng and others attended the above activities.