Jiang Meets Former Italian PresidentChinese President Jiang Zemin Friday afternoon met with former Italian president Oscar Luigi Scalfaro in Zhongnanhai, site of China's central government.Jiang said both China and Italy are ancient countries with a long history and have maintained long-term contacts. He noted that the relations between China and Italy have developed smoothly since the two countries forged diplomatic ties, adding that it is on the day of November 6th that the two countries will enjoy the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. As long as the two sides continue developing Sino-Italian friendly relations, they will promote long-term stability in the new century, he said. He pointed out that China and Italy have identical or similar views on many regional and international issues, and also maintained consultation and cooperation. He added that China and Italy have paid much attention to building up the just and reasonable international political and economic new order, opposing power politics and hegemonism. Jiang also mentioned his talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato at the United Nations Millennium Summit, adding that two leaders agreed that promoting peace and development should become the theme of the new century. Scalfaro expressed his best wishes that friendly relations between Italy and China should be further promoted. Mei Zhaorong, president of Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), Wang Guangya, vice foreign minister, and Paolo Bruni, Italian ambassador to China attended the meeting. The Italian guests are visiting China at the invitation of the CPIFA. |
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