China expressed willingness to strengthen high-level exchanges with France in a strategic dialogue between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and France's presidential diplomatic adviser, according to a foreign ministry statement on Thursday.

Wang told the French president's adviser Emmanuel Bonne in a meeting on Wednesday that China is ready to deepen strategic mutual trust and promote all-round cooperation, the statement said.

Wang said China hopes that France would "provide solid political guarantees for bilateral relations", the statement said.

He also mentioned civil nuclear energy, aerospace, agriculture and food, artificial intelligence and new energy as areas for more cooperation.

Both also discussed the Ukraine crisis, the situation in the Middle East and the global governance system, the statement said, with both sides agreeing to maintain coordinated communication.

Xinhua news agency reported that Bonne responded by saying France adheres to its tradition of independent diplomacy and firmly pursues the one-China policy, adding that France looks forward to strengthening practical cooperation with China in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit in such fields as economy and trade, civil nuclear energy, science and technology and new energy.

He also said France is ready to play an active role in enhancing dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and China. (Xinhua/Reuters)