A classic sculpture by a legendary French artist inspired Premier Li Keqiang as he visited the Rodin Museum in Paris with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls on June 30.

Accompanied by the curator, both men headed to the front of the main building of the museum to view The Thinker, a bronze sculpture by the distinguished French artist Auguste Rodin.

Inside the exhibition rooms, both leaders examined a number of great works. Li listened attentively to the introductions, and discussed the works with prominent figures of the French cultural and art circles.

Li agreed that art should go beyond life and conventional thinking and cited the example of Rodin for having the courage and imagination to break from tradition. Imagination is what human beings need for innovation, creativity and achieving breakthroughs, Li said.

Valls said cooperation between France and China has become a dynamic force because it is cooperation between two major civilizations who dare to embrace innovation.

Li said the relationship, having achieved great things in the past, has seen new breakthroughs during this visit. The two governments issued a joint statement about cooperation in regard to the third-party markets, which explores a new dimension for bilateral cooperation.

It is hoped that individuals with great vision from all walks of life in both countries will act as “Thinkers” for innovated cooperation between China and France, and help the relationship to even greater achievements, Li said.