Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday had friendly exchanges in Dujiangyan of Chengdu, the capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Upon their arrival, Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, were warmly received by Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan.

Welcoming them to Sichuan, which is known in China as the "Land of Abundance," Xi recalled his visit last year to France's Hautes-Pyrenees Department at Macron's invitation. Xi said he believed that Macron's visit will help further deepen his understanding of China.

Xi introduced the history and significance of Dujiangyan, a more than 2,000-year-old irrigation system which has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Dujiangyan irrigation system is the world's only ancient irrigation project still in operation today, and also one of the earliest successful practices of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature, Xi said, adding that its construction process fully reflects the Chinese nation's spirit of constant self-improvement, fearlessness in the face of hardship, and courage to forge ahead.

Xi said that each visit to Dujiangyan allows him to appreciate the greatness of the ancestors who adapted to local conditions and changes, promoted harmony between nature and humanity, and achieved flood control for the benefit of the people, and has thus allowed him to draw wisdom and inspiration for the governance of the country in the modern era.

Noting that the French people also possess an indomitable spirit, Xi said that China and France should be well positioned to understand and respect each other compared to other countries.

Seeing how the water conservancy project, built over 2,000 years ago, continues to function to this day, Macron hailed the diligence and ingenuity of the Chinese people.

Both France and China have a long history and splendid culture, and the two peoples share a common aspiration for a better life, Macron said, adding that the two countries can jointly pursue development and prosperity through cooperation, so as to benefit the people of both countries.

Featuring continuity, creativity, unity, inclusiveness and peaceful nature, the Chinese civilization is the only great ancient civilization that has continued uninterrupted to this day, Xi said.

Stressing that China and France are outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations respectively, the shared spirit of independence between the two countries stems from their respective profound cultural heritage, he added.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France represents not only a "handshake" between the two independent nations, but also the convergence of the two brilliant civilizations, Xi said.

Facing a volatile and turbulent world, Xi said that he hopes China and France, as two major historical and cultural countries, could contribute more to global peace, stability, and human progress through dialogue and cooperation.

Noting that the rapidly evolving international landscape is fraught with uncertainty, Macron said that France is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China to resolve conflicts through dialogue and consultation, and work together to uphold world peace and stability.

Xi and Peng then invited Macron and his wife to lunch, where they continued their in-depth exchanges.

The two heads of state agreed to maintain close communication and jointly advance the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership.

During Macron's visit, the two sides issued joint statements on strengthening global governance, jointly responding to global climate and environmental challenges, continually promoting cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, advancing exchanges and cooperation in agriculture and food, and released a joint statement regarding the situations in Ukraine and Palestine.

The French president is set to conclude his three-day trip to China later on Friday, after having held talks with Xi and other senior Chinese leaders in Beijing before traveling to Chengdu late on Thursday.

It marks Macron's fourth state visit to China and a reciprocal visit following President Xi's historic trip to France last year, which came as the two sides marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.