Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds talks with French Prime Minister Manuel Valls at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 29, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang and visiting French counterpart Manuel Valls provided updates on the future development of the China-France relationship in Beijing on Thursday.

Li was jointly meeting the press with visiting Prime Minister Valls after their talks.

He said they had agreed to further deepen China-France strategic mutual trust and accelerate cooperation in priority areas.

The two countries will also oppose protectionism, jointly address challenges and promote world peace, stability and development.

Valls said the relationship enjoys a strong basis and that the countries have conducted cooperation that could see them viewed as role models.

France expects to work with China to take the relationship to ever higher ground, Valls said.