Review of Peng Liyuan's first visit with President Xi in 2019

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan paid official visits to Italy, Monaco and France from March 21 to 26.

For Peng Liyuan, the tour of the three European nations can be summarized into three things.

I. State Activity

Peng Liyuan, accompanying Chinese President Xi Jinping, attended multiple activities during their trip including a welcoming ceremony, official speeches, as well as welcoming banquets.

With Peng Liyuan and President Macron's spouse in attendance, the atmosphere of the diplomatic activities would become more relaxed than that of talks held between leaders of the two states. It helps the two sides to talk more deeply.

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife welcomed President Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan on their arrival in Nice.

A grand welcoming ceremony was held at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

A welcoming banquet was held in Paris, where the two sides had some in-depth conversations.

A farewell ceremony. President Xi Jinping and Madam Peng Liyuan posed for photos together with French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.

II. Philanthropy

In addition to her role as a World Health Organization (WHO) goodwill ambassador for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, Peng Liyuan is also a special envoy of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the advancement of girls' and women's education.

In March 2014, Peng was nominated by then UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova at the headquarters of the UN agency in Paris. She is the only Chinese who has ever taken this role.

Peng was invited to visit the UNESCO headquarters again in November 2015 when she went to Paris with President Xi Jinping, who attended the UN Conference on Climate Change.

During her visit to Paris this year, Peng attended the third awards ceremony of the UNESCO Prize for Girls' and Women's Education.

The prize was set up with the support of China. Peng also contributed to its establishment.

China's progress in poverty reduction and the Belt and Road Initiative also received a lot of mention from the attendees to the special session.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in her speech that she admires Peng's devotion to UNESCO and hopes Peng's efforts can attract more people to support the education of girls and women around world.

Azoulay noted that UNESCO is also home to Peng, who is a musician and a music teacher.

III. Art and culture

Cultural activities were arranged during Peng Liyuan's visits to Italy, France, and Monaco. Activities were also aimed at boosting cultural exchanges among countries.

Foreign artists valued exchanging views on art with Peng during her visits to the three countries.

Peng met with Princess Charlene, wife of Prince Albert II who is the head of state of the Principality of Monaco, in the company of Jacques, Hereditary Prince of Monaco, and Princess Gabriella.

Later they attended a short recital by Chinese-Canadian violinist Zhang Zhang.

Peng was warmly welcomed by Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

Renowned Italian singer Andrea Bocelli performed at a concert hosted by President Sergio Mattarella to welcome President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

Situated at the Boulevard des Capucines in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, the Palais Garnier, also known as the Opera Garnier, is one of the world's most celebrated monuments.

Peng Liyuan, accompanied by French President Emmanuel Macron's wife, Brigitte Macron, visited the Opera Garnier in Paris.

Peng shared her perspective on opera with artists while visiting Opera Garnier.

Chinese Opera 'Mulan' was staged at the prestigious Vienna State Opera House in 2008, causing a stir within overseas art circles. Peng Liyuan, as a celebrated Chinese folk singer, played Mulan.

Peng suggested that opera singers focus not only on voice practice, but also on improving their acting.

Peng Liyuan's fashion style has always been appreciated by overseas media.

The Italian edition of The Huffington Post mentioned Peng's preference for clothes designed and made by Chinese.

The European-based website interpreted traditional Chinese culture from Peng's fashion style.

There is another time worth mentioning.

On March 22, 2013, Xi arrived in Russia for a state visit, the first after being inaugurated as Chinese President. His wife Peng Liyuan accompanied him.

Six years later, the couple arrived in Rome, Italy, on March 22, 2019 (BJT).

How time flies!

Together, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, have always strived to preserve the best interests of the country.

The couple works together for the country's future.