Chinese President Xi Jinping left Beijing on Thursday for Europe, where he will pay state visits to Italy, Monaco, and France from March 21 to 26. They will be President Xi's first state visits in 2019.

During his visit to Italy, Xi will hold talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Xi will hold talks with Prince Albert II, head of state of the principality, during his visit to Monaco, the first-ever by a Chinese president.

Xi will hold talks with President Emmanuel Macron and meet with Prime Minister Edouard Philippe during his visit to France.

(CGTN)