The new Chinese ambassador to France Zhai Jun arrived in France this week and pledged to promote the Sino-French strategic partnership to a higher level.

Zhai met with Laurent Stefanini, the Chief of Protocol of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday and presented his credentials to him.

Zhai said he was honored to be appointed as the new Chinese ambassador on the important occasion of the two countries celebrating the 50 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year. He expressed his hope to continue to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and France and to enhance the Sino-French friendship in various fields.

Zhai is the 11th Chinese ambassador to France. Prior to his current post, Zhai was a vice-foreign minister. From 2003 to 2006, he served as director-general of the West Asian and North African Affairs Department at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also served as the Chinese ambassador to Libya from 1997 to 2000.