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Chinese Premier Meets Italian Guest
Chinese Premier Meets Italian Guest
Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met Friday with former Italian Prime Minister and chairman of the Italian Democrats of the Left Massimo D'Alema.
Zhu, also member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said that Italy is an important country in Europe. China and Italy are both countries with an ancient civilization, and there has been a long history for the two peoples' friendly exchange.
He said that since the two countries established diplomatic relations 30 years ago, the bilateral relationship has been developing smoothly, and economic and trade cooperation has also made fast progress. The two countries bear similar views and positions on protecting the world's peace and stability and other issues, and have had good cooperation in international affairs.
He said although the national conditions of China and Italy are different, and differences exist in social systems, cultural traditions and economic development levels, the two countries have no fundamental conflict of interest. China appreciates Italy's attitude of advocating dialogue, reinforcing communication and opposing confrontation.
Increased exchange and cooperation between China and Italy not only conforms to the two peoples' essential interest, but also benefits the world's peace, stability and development, he said.
D'Alema said China is the focus of today's world, and its great changes are one of the major characteristics of the age. The CPC has surely taken on the great historic task of modernizing China and has been marching forward to the world. As a country with a huge population and a long history, China has seen a rapid rise of its status and influence in international affairs.
He said that Italy pays special attention to the consolidation and development of bilateral relations between Italy and China, and is willing to contribute to promoting friendly cooperation between Europe and China. Although the Italian government changed not long ago, its friendly policies toward China and Asia as a whole will not change, and the development of friendly cooperative relations with China on the basis of equality and mutual benefit is in line with Italy's national interest. The Italian Democrats of the Left will also contribute to the development of bilateral relations.
Zhu and D'Alema also exchanged views on Sino-European cooperation and issues of common interest.
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