PARIS, March 26-- China and France on Wednesday agreed to build a high-level cultural and people-to-people exchange mechanism to promote communication and cooperation between the two countries in education and culture.

The agreement was made during talks between visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Francois Hollande.

The two leaders stressed the importance of further promoting mutual understanding between the two peoples, as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year.

According to a joint statement released after their talks, the two sides agreed to further strengthen exchange between the two countries' youth and deepen cooperation in higher education, science and technology as well as innovation.

They welcomed the development of cooperative partnerships between the two countries' universities, said the statement.

The two sides also vowed to boost exchange and cooperation in the field of broadcast and television, to encourage joint ventures in filming and production, and to expand the broadcasting and distribution of audio and visual products in each other's country.

Moreover, the two countries agreed to take active steps to facilitate and promote personnel exchanges between the two countries.

The two sides will also intensify cooperation to jointly fight illegal trafficking, fraud and organized crimes.

Xi is in France for a state visit at Hollande's invitation. During his trip, Xi will attend celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties and meet with French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and parliamentary leaders.