ISTANBUL

China’s defense minister on Monday visited Paris to discuss bilateral ties and international issues with his French counterpart, a Chinese Defense Ministry statement said.

Sebastien Lecornu, France’s armed forces minister, hosted Adm. Dong Jun in Paris, where the two agreed to strengthen practical exchanges and cooperation between China and France.

“The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on relations between the two countries and the two militaries, international and regional situations, as well as issues of common concern,” the statement said.

Before the talks, Lecornu hosted a reception for Dong and together they inspected an honor guard, according to the statement posted by China Military Online.