Cooperation between China and France plays a very important role in world peace and security, French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said in Beijing on Tuesday while beginning his official visit to China.

Cazeneuve delivered a speech at Peking University that morning. He said both countries have an important role to play on a multilateral level, citing the benefits gained during the Paris Climate Conference held in 2015.

"This shows what we can contribute to the world when China and France work together," he said.

The prime minister also encouraged Chinese companies to invest in France, adding that France is creating a favorable environment for foreign investment.

China and France, which established diplomatic ties in 1964, have been cooperating closely in civilian nuclear power. They are working together on developing a nuclear plant project in Hinkley Point, Britain.

The two countries also have strong cooperation in the aviation industry. An Airbus China A330 completion and delivery center, which is being constructed in North China's Tianjin, will deliver its first A330 jet in September.

Cazeneuve also encouraged more Chinese students to study in France, and said his country is taking measures to keep facilitating visa procedures to attract Chinese tourists.