Chinese Premier meets French foreign minister

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday met with visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on stronger ties.

China and France have deepened their mutual trust and steadily advanced their cooperation in various sectors, thus China-France relations are among the best ties China have with Western countries, Li told Fabius.

Fabius came to Beijing for the second meeting of the China-France high-level cultural exchanges, which Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong and Fabius co-chaired earlier Friday.

Li hailed the positive role the China-France high-level cultural exchanges have played in promoting bilateral ties.

China stands ready to work with France to plan high-level visits in the future and give priority to jointly exploring the third market and advance cooperation in nuclear energy, Li said, calling for stronger collaboration in trade and economy, agriculture, aviation and aerospace.

The Chinese premier also appealed for the transformation of China-France all-round practical cooperation.

China and France should increase communication on climate change, global governance and other issues of common concern and send important signals of joint efforts to safeguard world peace and promote common prosperity to the international community, Li said.

Fabius said bilateral agreements reached during the French prime minister's visit earlier this year are being put into practice.

Saying France is satisfied with the relations, Fabius called for more collaboration in nuclear power, aviation, aerospace, health, agriculture and food processing.

Fabius said France would like to work closely with China in Africa and maintain communication on climate change and other global issues.

The visit is Fabius' 10th trip to China since he took office as French foreign minister in May 2012.

Earlier Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Fabius.

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