Wang: China willing to strengthen ties with France

China stands ready to strengthen coordination and develop even closer cooperation with France to move forward bilateral ties, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.

Wang made the remarks when meeting with French president's diplomatic advisor Philippe Etienne in Paris on Wednesday. He is on a visit to France for 18th session of the consultations of the coordinators for the China-France Strategic Dialogue.

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, the two sides should work together to inject fresh vitality into the comprehensive strategic partnership, Wang said.

Noting both countries are permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Wang said, given the profound and complex changes of international landscape, they should intensify strategic cooperation to provide more positive energy to the world.

Etienne said the French government attaches high importance to the relations with China and wants to see the new development of the France-China comprehensive strategic partnership.

France is willing to work with China to inject fresh impetus into bilateral ties and develop much closer bilateral coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, he said.