Franco-Chinese ties praised during Chinese New Year celebration in Strasbourg

The year which comes to a close was immense for the ties being China and France," declared Guobin Zhang, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Strasbourg, during a celebration of the Chinese New Year held on Wednesday.

Mr. Zhang praised the intensity and the breadth of the relationship between China and France, citing over 800 cultural events held in partnership between the two countries in 2014, organized as part of the 50th anniversary of the reestablishment of Franco-Chinese relations in 1964.

Notable events included an exhibition held at the Palace of Versailles, showcasing 18th century Chinese art in the museum's collection, and a night of Chinese performances at the Grand Palais in Paris.

Deputy Mayor of Strasbourg, Nawel Rafik-Elmrini, charged with international affairs, also affirmed the "the multiplicity of relations with China."

In particular, "Strasbourg and China maintain a privileged relationship," she said and, praising Mr. Zhang's efforts, "you have worked to look after and enhance the friendship between our city and your great country."

The deputy mayor's comments come in anticipation of the building of a new Chinese consulate in Strasbourg, an ambitious project that Mr. Zhang has made a part of his legacy as Consulate General. Construction will begin in June, and when completed the new consulate will be the biggest of its kind in the city.

The consulate in Strasbourg is responsible for the Eastern regions of France, including Lorraine, Franch-Comte, Champagne-Ardenne, and Alsace, the latter having a formal agreement of cooperation with Jiangsu province of Eastern China.