Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to further strengthen bilateral ties.

Wang and Macron met in Paris on Tuesday.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang praised France's diplomatic stance, saying China appreciates the country's adherence to independence and autonomy.

He expressed hopes that France will continue to boost the sound and steady development of China-Europe relations.

Macron referred to his visit to China last year. He said he looks forward to working with China to make preparations for high-level exchanges this year.

The French presidential office said that during the talks Macron and Wang took into account that 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France.

The office said the two agreed to boost bilateral relations in a number of fields, including agriculture and aviation.

Diplomatic sources speculate that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit France in the spring of this year. They say Wang's visit is aimed at creating an environment for a bilateral summit.