Chirac is in Beijing, finally.

I’ve prepared this trip two times last year, both postponed.

This is the first time that I follow his visit after his retirement. Also the first time, for a trip in China.

Two days, much shorter than what had been planned, but, very rich.

Besides the « sinophile » given by the French, « best salesman »by the Chinese,  « Old friend » became another nick name of him. We heard that during the meeting with State Secretary DAI for lunch in a modern hotel, and with the President HU, for diner in « Diaoyu tai », the Foreign Guests’ Palace.

Rarely a former leader could  have reception as exceptionally as he received, see only the 4 meals he had in Beijing :

Received by the state secretary in charge of the foreign relationship;

Meeting and diner with the president of China ;

Lunch in the Institute of Foreign Diplomat

Meeting and diner in the Residence of the French Ambassador with the presence of the French community (the most privileged level only)

A swallow that brought the spring wind, that’s his brand new nick name given by the French Ambassador during his welcome speech.

Heard many rumours about his health, some programs were reduced, but we found him quite excited, and happy.

When I mentioned « my first St Valentine’s Day with him »,

(Summit Franco-African in Cannes, opened on the February 14 in 2007),

he said by showing me his cheek : « ah yes, but I’m still waiting for the kiss of the St Valentine’s Day »…

That’s the story of this picture.

It’s really different of following a « former » leader comparing to when he had the power. We are more relaxing, and, more anecdotes for decrypted the personality.