Chinese, French presidents preface French exhibition

The five French museums include the Louvre, the Pompidou Centre, the Palace of Versailles, the Orsay Museum and the Picasso Museum.

Xi said in the preface that China and France enjoy profound histories, and that the two civilizations' learnings from each other have contributed to the China-France friendship.

He said the exchanges between the two countries' museums played an important role in bilateral cultural cooperation.

The exhibition will help museum-goers appreciate the power of art and the two peoples' exploration of human spirit, according to the Chinese president.

"Cultural exchanges are an important driving force for the progress of human civilization as well as world peace and development," he wrote, wishing the show every success.

In his preface, Hollande said the paintings will guide more Chinese audiences to understand France and the relations between both countries.

Pablo Picasso's "Reading the Letter," Pierre-Auguste Renoir's "Dance at Le moulin de la Galette" and "The Swing" and seven others are on display in China for the first time.

China and France established diplomatic relations in 1964, making France the first major Western power to recognize the People's Republic of China.

The two countries are scheduled to host more than 300 events to mark the 50th anniversary of their ties, ranging from art exhibitions, performances, round-table mayoral meetings, through sporting and academic competitions between high school students.