BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with Founder and Executive Chairman of the French Institute for International Relations Thierry de Montbrial on Friday.

Speaking highly of the current development of China-France relations and China-EU relations, Yang encouraged scholars, think tanks and academies from the two countries to strengthen exchanges and cooperation to offer more advice for the development of China-France relations and China-EU relations.

Thierry de Montbrial echoed Yang saying he is willing to conduct more cooperation with the Chinese side to contribute to bilateral relations between China and France.

The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern.