Guo Boxiong, vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission (CMC), met on Wednesday in Beijing with Gianni Botondi, secretary general of Defense and National Armaments Director of Italy.

Guo said China and Italy are two traditionally friendly countries and bilateral relations have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

He noted that the Chinese government is ready to strengthen cooperation with the Italian side to continuously elevate China-Italy relations.

Guo said the Chinese armed forces are ready to learn from their Italian friends to make new contributions to the overall development of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Botondi said Italy values the development of relations with China and is willing to develop cooperation with China in various fields based on the principle of equality and mutual benefits.

Botondi said he will make the utmost effort to promote the development of friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries in all fields.

Botondi arrived here on Monday for an official visit to China at the invitation of Director of the General Armament Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Chen Bingde.

Source: Xinhua