ROME, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will provide new opportunities for pragmatic cooperation between Italy and China, and Italy is willing to work together with China to embrace a bright future, Italian Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Marina Sereni has said here.

These remarks were made at a reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Italy to celebrate the 70th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China earlier this week.

Sereni said political mutual trust has been consolidated, dialogue and cooperation in various fields strengthened, and the willingness of the two peoples for communication and mutual understanding has increased since the two countries established a comprehensive strategic partnership 15 years ago.

Italy and China will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties next year, and the two countries have set 2020 as the Year of Italy-China Culture and Tourism, as pointed out by the deputy foreign minister.

Chinese Ambassador to Italy Li Junhua, who also delivered a speech at the reception, said that China and Italy are cooperative and mutually beneficial partners who have always respected and treated each other as equals.

China is willing to work with the new Italian government and friends from all parties and sectors to implement the consensus of the two sides and promote exchanges and cooperation, said Li.