Chinese, French foreign ministers discuss bilateral ties

BEIJING, Feb. 21-- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius on Friday to promote bilateral relations.

Wang said China-France relations are at an important stage as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, according to a Chinese Foreign Ministry press release.

He stressed that China is willing to maintain close contact and strategic communication with France, deepen bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields as well as enhance cultural exchanges.

China is also ready to strengthen coordination with France on international and regional issues, said the minister, who vowed to push forward China-France ties and China-Europe ties.

Fabius said France is willing to work with China to promote bilateral ties to a new level.

Both sides will make sure the upcoming meeting between President Xi Jinping and President Francois Hollande is successful, said the press release.

They also exchanged views on international and regional affairs of common concern.