China says it is willing to renew the traditional friendship with Italy, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen economic and trade cooperation, and promote cultural and people-to-people exchange.

Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said renewing traditional friendship will benefit the two people.

Mr Yin said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, China and Italy have maintained a high level of bilateral relations through mutual trust and close cooperation.

Mr Yin led the CPC delegation to Italy from May 25 to 28 at the invitation of the Italian Democratic Party.

During the visit, the Chinese delegation met with Italian Senate President Ignazio La Russa and Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso.

The Chinese delegation also met with Giuseppe Provenzano, the head of the Italian Democratic Party’s foreign affairs department, Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, and Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi.

During the meetings, Yin said that as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, China is willing to work with Italy.

China is willing to work with Italy to safeguard the world’s peace, stability, development and prosperity.

Mr Yin, also a secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, said that Beijing municipality will follow through on the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries.

This will add fresh impetus to developing China-Italy relations through subnational cooperation.

(Xinhua/NAN)