China ready to deepen strategic cooperation with Italy: premier

ROME, Oct. 14  -- China is willing to make joint efforts with Italy to strengthen mutual trust, consolidate the political foundation of their ties and tap the potential of their practical cooperation, visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said Tuesday.

Li made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Renzi, after their meeting in Rome.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, and their relations have reached a key stage that links the past and the future, said Li.

China is ready to increase bilateral trade and investment and strengthen cooperation with Italy in such fields as infrastructure construction, energy, finance, innovation as well as medium- and small-sized enterprises, said Li.

China and Italy, both heirs to great ancient civilizations, enjoy inborn advantages in their people-to-people exchanges, and the two sides should continue to deepen cooperation in culture, education and tourism, he added.

The 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit, to be convened in Milan and attended by leaders from over 50 nations and international organizations, will be an important opportunity for Asian and European countries to broaden consensus, focus on development and strengthen cooperation, he said.

Li said China stands ready with Italy and Europe to further promote Asia-Europe dialogue and cooperation.

For his part, Renzi said both Italy and China boast great cultures. They are close cooperation partners with a longtime friendship, and their all-around cooperation has yielded fruitful results and enjoys a bright future.

During Li's visit, the two sides will ink a slew of new cooperation documents, he said.

Italy is willing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and push forward the development of bilateral ties, Renzi said.

Italy is the last stop of Li's three-nation tour, which has taken him to Germany and Russia.