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Chinese, Italian FMs Discuss Ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan said Tuesday, December 19, that China is willing to work with Italy to raise bilateral relations to a new high in the 21st century.
Tang made the remarks during talks with his Italian counterpart Lamberto Dini, who is on his second visit to China this year.
Tang said China places great importance on developing its relations with Italy, and appreciates the Italian government's consistent adherence to the one-China policy, according to a Chinese foreign ministry source who attended the meeting.
China looks forward to Italian Prime Minister Giuliano Amato's visit to China early next year, which China believes will promote the further development of bilateral ties, Tang said.
Tang said that progress has been made in bilateral relations this year, and direct contacts between leaders of the two countries injected new momentum into bilateral ties, pointing to increased cooperation in the scientific, technological, cultural, and educational areas.
He added that bilateral economic and trade ties have also been developing rapidly, and the Italian investment in China is on the rise.
In addition, the two countries share identical or similar views on many major international issues, he said, adding that they have had sound cooperation in the international arena.
Dini said that Italy attaches great importance to China's important role in international affairs, and admires China's economic achievements, adding that Italy is ready to strengthen consultation and cooperation with China on major international issues, and hopes to forge a closer relationship with China.
Tang and Dini also discussed international and regional issues of common concern, including the role of the United Nations.
They agreed that the UN and its Security Council play an irreplaceable role in safeguarding international peace and security and promoting cooperation among nations and their respective development.
The two countries will work together to safeguard the authority of the UN and strengthen the UN's role, the ministers said, adding that the two sides will maintain close consultation on the reform of the UN Security Council.
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