China, France to strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy, aerospace, agriculture

China and France should strengthen cooperation in nuclear energy, aerospace, agriculture and explore third-party markets, Premier Li Keqiang said on Tuesday when meeting with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron.

Premier Li said the two countries have maintained a frontier relation among China’s ties with Western countries, which originated from mutual respect, equal treatment and win-win cooperation adhered to by both sides.

President Xi Jinping and the French president made strategic planning for bilateral relation in their talks for a new era, Li said. As permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and France should deepen cooperation and cope with challenges amid uncertainties and unstable factors in the world, he said.

Li said China will further reform and open up and relax the market access, which will provide opportunities for all countries around the world including France. France is welcome to expand investment and import of high-quality goods. China hopes France can further ease exports of high-tech products, he said.

Meanwhile, the premier said China firmly supports the integration process of Europe and would like to see a united, stable and developing EU. China is also confident in EU’s development prospects and ready to advance the negotiations on bilateral investment treaty, he added.

Macron said his country would like to strengthen cooperation in scientific research, artificial intelligence, civil aviation, nuclear energy and agriculture, and expand opening-up of each other’s market. He also said both countries should work together to contribute to global peace and development.