China and France are willing to steadily promote the Sino-French comprehensive strategic partnership, visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday.

Iran Press/Asia: Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (R), who is currently in France for the 18th consultation of the coordinators for the China-France Strategic Dialogue, meets with Philippe Etienne, diplomatic adviser to the French President at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, Jan. 24, 2019. 

Wang made the remarks while meeting with French president's diplomatic advisor Philippe Etienne for the 18th consultation of the coordinators for the China-France Strategic Dialogue, Xinhua reported.

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, Wang noted China and France look forward to taking it as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties.

The Chinese top diplomat said both sides should give full play to the China-France Strategic Dialogue, strive to accelerate the upgrade of Sino-French pragmatic cooperation, and insist on seeking more common interests under the principles of fairness, open, mutual benefits and win-win results.

Two-way trade and investment should be boosted between China and France, Wang said, adding that China welcomes France could continue taking part in the China International Import Expo actively and is ready to import more quality French products according to market needs.

China is willing to strengthen the alignment of respective policies and development strategies with France, and improve cooperation in exploring the third-party market, Wang said.

On his part, Etienne said he has had fruitful talks with Wang during the 18th consultation of the coordinators for the China-France Strategic Dialogue.

France is willing to make joint efforts with China to boost bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership through the mechanism like the strategic dialogue, said Etienne. 103