Chinese President Xi Jinping has arrived in Lyon, for the beginning of his state visit to France. His visit comes on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Xi will travel to Paris for talks with his French counterpart Francois Hollande, and the two leaders will join a celebration of the jubilee. The Chinese President will also meet with French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and parliamentary leaders.

Xi said upon his arrival that he looked forward to exchanging views with President Hollande and other French leaders on bilateral relations and issues of common concern. The two countries are expected to sign cooperation agreements on nuclear energy, aviation, urbanization, agriculture and finance.

France is the second leg of Xi’s European tour, which will also take him to Germany and Belgium.