State Councilor Liu Yandong on Tuesday pledged to expand linguistic and cultural exchanges between China and France in an effort to deepen bilateral relations as a whole.

Liu made the remarks during her address at the opening ceremony of the "French Language Year (2012)" at the Beijing Language and Culture University. The ceremony was jointly kicked off by Liu and French Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Alain Juppe.

The ceremony was held to celebrate the second part of a bilingual cooperative language program initiated by President Hu Jintao and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in November 2010. The "Chinese Language Year (2011)" made up the first part of the program.

China attaches great importance to its relations with France, Liu said, adding that China is ready to work with France to consolidate their bilateral strategic partnership.

Highlighting the importance of Sino-French language and cultural exchanges, Liu said the new program will allow thousands of students from both nations to deepen mutual understanding and gain a better appreciation for the cultures of both nations.

China will strengthen its cooperation with France in the areas of culture, education and technology, she said, calling on both sides to expand student exchanges and support cross-language promotion activities.

Juppe praised the achievements made through Sino-French language and cultural exchanges, stating that the cross-language program will further deepen mutual understanding and friendship between both countries.