PARIS, June 3 (Xinhua) -- France and Hungary will begin work to finalize a new bilateral strategic partnership before the end of the year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday, alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar who is visiting Paris.

"It will allow us to strengthen our cooperation in strategic areas," such as defense, nuclear energy, industry, space, agriculture, economy, education, culture, among others, Macron said.

For his part, Magyar reassured his host that "in this international situation, we need much closer cooperation. And we will be delighted to work with you."

Magyar also welcomed the future bilateral strategic partnership agreement. It is expected to strengthen ties in the economic, cultural, diplomatic, and EU-related issues, he said.