PARIS - The upcoming visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang to France is expected to further promote pragmatic cooperation between both countries, Chinese Ambassador to France Zhai Jun has said.

He made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua.

Premier Li during the visit will discuss with French leaders topics of strengthening communication, deepening strategic cooperation and continuingly promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as exchange opinions on a certain major issues of global concern, according to the ambassador.

Zhai said the visit would mark a new stage in pragmatic cooperation between Beijing and Paris, during which both sides' talks will focus on exploring third-country markets jointly, nuclear energy cooperation and Sino-French cooperation in innovation activities as well as stepping up bilateral cooperation in economy and trade, agriculture, finance and aerospace.

Both sides will also discuss ways to boost two-way investment and facilitate personnel exchanges and exchange views on global issues including climate change and global economic governance, he said.

Noting that the development of Sino-French ties is maintaining a good momentum with flourishing cooperation in all areas, the Chinese diplomat also said both countries are faced with tasks of deepening reforms, developing economy and improving people's well- being.

He said the two countries have the common aspiration to strengthen bilateral cooperation, in order to bring it to a new stage.

The Chinese premier will also visit the headquarters of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to mark the 20 anniversary of cooperation between Beijing and the Paris-based think tank.