Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini

Italian Vice Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini was named foreign minister of the country on November 18, 2004. Despite his busy work, he happily accepted an exclusive interview by the People's Daily and answered questions concerning China-Italy and China-EU relationships before accompanying President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi to visit China scheduled on December 4.

Question: Mr. Foreign Minister, in a few days you will accompany the President to pay a state visit to China, and this will be your first China trip as Foreign Minister. Please give your comment on the importance of this presidential visit to China-Italy relations.

Answer: Italy has been playing an important bridging role in EU-China relations. It was when Italy acted as EU rotating president in 2003 that EU formally established strategic partnership with China. Meanwhile, the Italian government has consistently observed the "One China" policy, which won appreciation from the Chinese government. President Ciampi's visit will push ties between the two countries into a new stage and enhance bilateral relations in a wide range of fields.

In economy and trade, during the president's visit, there will be a sizeable entrepreneurs' delegation to attended an economic forum themed "Italian Products in China". All entrepreneurs, whether representing powerful giants or fast-growing small companies, will appear before the Chinese market as a whole.

Regarding cultural exchanges, the two countries have worked together efficiently in cultural relics protection. The President will attend a ceremony of renovation of the Forbidden City, in which Italy takes part, and the two sides are discussing a project to repair the Great Wall. Besides, cooperation in environmental protection will also be discussed.

Q: we can say the whole Italy really feels China coming closer, and both sides desire to strength mutual understanding. What concrete measures the Italian government will take to promote cooperation in various fields?

A: there are many positive comments on China in Italy now. When you open an Italian newspaper you will find articles introducing Chinese achievements in economy, science and technology, film, garment and diplomatic policies.

By now there has established a solid foundation for developing ties. In governmental cooperation, during Premier Wen Jiabao's visit in last May, the two premiers agreed to set up an intergovernmental commission to hold regular meetings at various levels and track cooperation in bilateral fields. Gratifying results have been made in cooperation in the aspects of health care, aviation, environmental protection and personnel training. Our president will also meet this time Chinese scholars on Italy studies and thank their efforts in spreading Italian history, culture and art. Moreover, we hope to see more Chinese students in Italy. We will open our universities wider to Chinese students and a China College specially for distinguished Chinese researchers will be established at our Bologna University. On top of that, we are preparing to stage a "Year of Italy" by 2006 in China to introduce the most splendid part of the Italian culture to the Chinese public.

Q: Chinese and EU leaders will meet soon in the Hague. As a leader of Italy, the founder and one of important members of EU, how you comment on the current and future state of China-EU relations?

A: Italy is firmly committed to promoting EU-China ties. It is under Italy's active push that EU formally established strategic partnership with China. We believe that partner relationships should be based on mutual trust, sincere cooperation and other mutually observed principles. When Italy was rotating president of EU in 2003, EU signed two important agreements with China--"Galileo" kicked off satellite cooperation between China and European enterprises, and "Tourist destination" opened the gates of Italy and Europe to Chinese tourists.

Besides, Italy continues to hold that EU arms sales embargo to China doesn't correspond with partnership sprit.

Q: you visited China several years ago, and what's the difference between the China you saw and your impression on it? What impressed you most during that visit?

A: in the recent two decades, China's achievements even go beyond the most optimistic predictions possible. China has come to play an important role in today's world, and has become a state partner of Italy to actively advocate the establishment of a multipolar world and the central role of the United Nations. We believe that China's revitalization serves a root of political and financial stability of the world. Many years after my previous visit, I see on media amazing changes happening in China, and I look forward to seeing with my own eyes the driving forces of its advancement. China's growth is admirable, and Italy, as another ancient civilization, will be honored, together with China, to achieve balanced development, which is in the interests of the international community, of which China has become an important part.

This article, by People's Daily correspondent Shi Kedong in Italy, is carried on the third page of the People's Daily, December 6, 2004, and translated by People's Daily Online