China and Italy are satisfied with the development of their
bilateral relations, Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji and Italian Prime
Minister Giuliano Amato reached the conclusion on January 15.
During their talks at the Great Hall of People, the two heads of
government agreed that Chinese-Italian trade cooperation has
developed rapidly and cultural exchanges have been vigorous, and
the two countries have cooperated well in international
organizations including the United Nations.
The two sides exchanged views on Sino-Italian relations and the
international and regional issues of common concern.
Both spoke highly of Sino-Italian relations, and held that frequent
exchange of visits between senior officials of the two countries
and the flourishing contacts in all fields promote cooperation
between China and Italy.
Zhu said China has attached importance to Italy's role in the
European Union and the world. China appreciates Italy's commitment
to the One-China stance on the Taiwan issue, and it advocating for
dialogue, instead of confrontation, on the issue of human rights,
as well as its support for China's entry into the World Trade
Organization.
He
said that Sino-Italian relations have bright future for
development, and voiced his hope to promote exchanges and contacts
between the two countries at all levels, including the exchange of
visits by senior officials.
China supports cooperation between the small and midium-size
enterprises of the two countries, and welcomes Italian
entrepreneurs to invest in high-tech projects in China, he
said.
Zhu added that since China and Italy have splendid ancient
civilizations, they can conduct more cultural exchanges.
China is also ready to work with Italy in the legal field,
including the crackdown on illegal immigration and organized crime,
he noted.
Amato said he has witnessed great changes in China each time he
comes here, and he admires the achievements China has made. He said
Italy has paid a lot of attention to strengthening friendly
cooperation with China.
The Italian government believes that China's entry into the WTO has
strategic significance, and it will continue to help China enter
WTO at an early date, he added.
Amato said that Italy and China could broaden their cooperation,
especially in the areas of environmental protection. He vows to
encourage Italian entrepreneurs to invest in China.
(People's Daily 01/16/2001)