China and France will celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in a grand way to push bilateral relations to a higher level, according to Claude Bartolone, speaker of the French National Assembly, who led a French delegation to China to celebrate.

Both countries attach great importance to bilateral ties and will hold events to honor their time-enduring friendship. "Commemoration of the past can enable us to create a better future, especially at such a meaningful moment," Bartolone said.

Bartolone said China and France's longtime relations lie in their mutual understanding and willingness to solve disputes through dialogue and communication.

"As the first major Western country to establish diplomatic ties with China, France realized the important role China will play at the very beginning," he said.

Speaking highly of the accomplishments in both countries during the past half-century, Bartolone said he hopes China and France will enhance their cooperation in the fields of economy, technology and culture in the future.