BEIJING — State Councilor Yang Jiechi met visiting French Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Development Jean-Marc Ayrault on April 13, and the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation.

Yang said that as both China and France are permanent members of United Nations Security Council and major countries with international standing, they should further coordination and communication, and deepen cooperation.

Ayrault expressed willingness to support the Belt and Road Initiative, advance cooperation and further cement high-level contact. He also agreed on joint efforts to promote multilateralism, cope with climate change and safeguard trade liberalization.

They also exchanged views on global and regional issues of common concern.