Premier Li Keqiang and visiting French counterpart Manuel Valls provided updates on the future development of the China-France relationship at a joint news conference following their talks in Beijing on Jan 29.

Li said they had agreed to further deepen China-France strategic mutual trust and accelerate pragmatic cooperation in priority areas.

The two countries will also oppose protectionism, jointly address challenges and promote world peace, stability and development, said the Premier.

Valls said the relationship enjoys a solid basis and that the countries have conducted cooperation that could see them viewed as role models.

France expects to work with China to take the relationship to a higher level, Valls said.