Premier Li Keqiang on Friday described China and France as two economies highly complementary to each other, in a meeting with visiting French President Francois Hollande in Beijing.

The two countries should seek innovative ways to boost their mutually beneficial cooperation, the premier said after the two governments signed 18 new agreements and business deals on Thursday.

Hollande said France is willing to deepen bilateral relations and explore new areas for economic cooperation with China, and oppose trade protectionism.