国内英语新闻:Chinese Embassy in Paris moves into new premises

PARIS, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The new premises of the Chinese Embassy here was officially put into use on Wednesday, after a seven-year design and construction process.

The embassy held a flag-raising ceremony at its new location at 20 Rue Monsieur in the seventh arrondissement of Paris to mark the transition.

Addressing the ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to France Zhai Jun said that the transformation of the premises of the embassy in different periods embodies the history of Chinese diplomacy, and reflects the significant development in the country.

The new premises are a perfect combination of artistry and culture of China and France, said the ambassador, adding it symbolizes the close ties between the two countries, and serves as a new window of the "major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics."

The new property, near several French government institutions and museums, was purchased by the embassy in December 2012, and was inaugurated on Sept. 26, 2016 in the presence of high-level officials from both countries.

The old premises, located on George V Avenue, will remain part of the embassy and will undertake certain new functions after renovation.