On November 4, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in Paris for his state visit to France at the invitation of French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

At 13: 35 local time, President Hu's special plane arrived at Paris Orly Airport. Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing were warmly greeted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who held a grand welcome ceremony for Hu's visit at the airport.

In a written speech delivered at the airport, Hu said since the two countries established diplomatic ties 46 years ago, exchanges and cooperation between China and France had achieved rich results in the areas of politics, economy, trade, education, science, technology and culture with the joint efforts of both sides. He said China-France cooperation had brought about substantial benefits to the people of the two countries and made a positive contribution to promoting peace and development of the world.

"Under the current international situation that is undergoing profound and complicated changes, China and France share broad common interests and huge potential for cooperation since both are permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and shoulder important responsibilities of international affairs," he said. Hu said he expected to have broad contact and extensive exchanges with French leaders and people from various sectors of the society during his visit. He expressed the hope that, through the visit, the two countries could enhance mutual trust, deepen practical bilateral cooperation and carry out close coordination and cooperation on regional and international affairs so as to further advance the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership.

Hu's entourage including Ling Jihua, Wang Huning and Dai Bingguo arrived by the same plane.

Chinese Ambassador to France Kong Quan also greeted Hu at the airport.