Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) meets with his French counterpart Francois Hollande in Paris, capital of France, March 26, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

Beijing and Paris also pledged to provide support for companies developing alternative energy and energy-efficient cars in the two countries.

At the same time, the two sides vowed to further enhance bilateral aviation cooperation, boost the development of the Airbus A320 jetliner final assembly line in China's Tianjin city so as to turn the facility into the Asian center of Airbus.

China and France also aim to build Tianjin into Airbus' manufacturing center in Asia in line with actual market demand.

Also, the civil aviation authorities of the two countries will further enhance their exchanges and cooperation in such areas as air traffic control and aviation safety.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement inked by Xi and Hollande on bilateral ties, the two leaders vowed to boost cooperation in financial and nuclear sectors.

They said they welcome the efforts of the two countries' banks and enterprises in developing the offshore Renminbi business in Paris, as well as the cooperation between the financial watchdogs of the two countries, which would help turn Paris into an important trade hub of Chinese investment in the euro zone and that of European countries in China.

Meanwhile, Beijing and Paris also pledged to push ahead with their nuclear cooperation in an all-round way, including enhancing the safety standards of the nuclear power stations that are in service or under construction, boosting the joint exploitation of the Hinkley Point and other projects in Britain and the construction of the two units at Taishan nuclear power plant in China's Guangdong Province.

Also, the two sides stressed the importance of further promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples, according to the statement.

Agreeing to further strengthen exchange between the two countries' youth and deepen cooperation in higher education, science and technology as well as innovation, the two sides also welcomed the development of cooperative partnerships between the two countries' universities.

China and France also vowed to boost exchange and cooperation in the field of broadcast and television, to encourage joint ventures in filming and production, and to expand the broadcasting and distribution of audio and visual products in each other's country.

The two sides will also intensify cooperation to jointly fight illegal trafficking, fraud and organized crimes.

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