BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with his French counterpart Jean-Marc Ayrault in Beijing on Friday morning.

At the start of the talks, Li said Ayrault's visit, the French prime minister's first to China, is of special significance as it comes as the two countries are set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

"I believe your visit will strongly support the development of the China-France relationship," Li said.

For his part, Ayrault said the France-China relationship is going smoothly and his visit aims to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

Ayrault arrived in Beijing on Thursday for a five-day official visit to China at Li's invitation. Li held a red carpet welcome ceremony for Ayrault before their talks.

During the talks, Li also expressed deep grief over the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who died Thursday night in his Johannesburg home at the age of 95.