Premier Li Keqiang called for closer cooperation with France to explore new third-party markets on June 30.

He made the comment during a meeting with French Senate President Gerard Larcher.

Premier Li said the French Senate and China’s National People’s Congress have established a regular communication mechanism, and high-level exchanges between legislative bodies in China and France has became a very important part in the two nations’ comprehensive strategic partnership. China and France should enhance mutual understanding and expand cooperation - such as in the exploration of third-party markets, he added.

Larcher noted China and France celebrated the 50 anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relation last year. The French Senate will continue to be dedicated to the development of Sino-French relations, pushing for more cooperation in political, economic and cultural realms.