China welcomes France to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and encourages companies on both sides to cooperate under the framework of the initiative, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.

Xi, while meeting with French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, called on both sides to oppose all forms of protectionism and push forward economic globalization that is open, inclusive, balanced and mutually beneficial.

Saying that the China-France relations are developing smoothly, Xi urged the implementation of key projects between the two countries. He added that the two have taken each other's major concerns and core interests into consideration in recent years.

The president also said the two sides should make joint efforts to push forward global governance reform and enhance cooperation under the G20 framework, adding that China supports the unification of Europe.

Cazeneuve said France is dedicated to the development of bilateral relations.

France would like to increase cooperation with China in areas including economy and trade, science, nuclear power, aerospace and auto-making, he said, adding that cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative should also be enhanced.

Cazeneuve began a three-day visit to China on Tuesday. On Thursday, he is scheduled to visit Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, to meet with local officials and visit an auto company.