Italian PM meets Chinese FM on bilateral relations

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi met visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing on Friday to discuss bilateral relations.

Berlusconi said the Italian government attaches importance to developing relations with China and will continue to strengthen friendly cooperation with Beijing.

Italy, with its economic advantages, stands ready to expand economic and technical cooperation with China for mutual benefit, Berlusconi said.

He also reiterated Rome's resolute adherence to its one-China policy.

Li, for his part, said the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy marks a new stage in bilateral relations, saying China is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation.

He expressed belief that sound China-Italy relations will further promote the development of relations between China and Europe.

Li also talked with Italian Deputy Prime Minister and his Italian counterpart, Gianfranco Fini, on Friday.

Fini expressed his appreciation for the smooth development of bilateral relations, noting that Italy plans to stage "Italian Culture Year" in China next year to further strengthen cultural

exchanges.

Both Li and Fini attended the first joint session of the China-Italy Governmental Committee, which was established last year.

Source: Xinhua