The governments of China and Italy agreed on Friday to further
deepen bilateral ties by establishing stable, friendly, long-term
and sustainable strategic partnership.
The joint communique, issued following talks between Chinese
Premier Wen Jiabao and his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi,
called for bilateral and multilateral joint efforts to safeguard
world peace and security.
The two heads of government also agreed to set up a China-Italy
governmental committee in order to upgrade bilateral cooperation
levels in various areas.
"It is the first time for China and Italy to issue such a
communique since the two countries established diplomatic ties 34
years ago. And it is also the first time for China to set up such a
high-level coordination body with a foreign government," the
Chinese premier told reporters following his talks with
Berlusconi.
As China and Italy are both countries with ancient civilization,
the two leaders also discussed ways to enhance cooperation in
culture, film and television, Wen said, adding that his current
visit to Italy was "successful."
Berlusconi told the press that he and Wen discussed way to
deepen the bilateral ties and international issues of mutual
concern and have found some solutions.
Before the talks, the Italian prime minister held a welcoming
ceremony by inviting Wen to review the honor of guards. Berlusconi
also hosted an evening banquet in Wen's honor.
The two countries also signed several cooperation agreements
during Wen's visit.
"China and Italy, both shouldering important responsibilities in
international and regional affairs, should further contribute to
consolidating Sino-European ties," said the joint communique issued
following their talks.
The Chinese premier, who is paying an official visit to Italy
from May 6 to May 9, attended the Seminar on Promoting Investment
between China and Italy on Friday morning. Wen also met with
Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and speakers of the Chamber
of Deputies and Senate in the same day.
"The two governments reaffirmed the important significance of
enhancing high-level political contacts, and strengthening close
dialogue and consultation in anti-terror, preventing proliferation
and protecting human rights as well as the cooperation among
international organizations," the joint communique said.
They agree to cooperate on the UN Security Council reform,
saying that any plan must be approved by the majority of the member
countries and conforms to the interests of the whole international
community. "The Security Council's authority and role must be
maintained," said joint declaration.
The Chinese side is looking forward to Italian President
Ciampi's state visit to China, scheduled for June. The two sides
will exert more efforts to push forward contacts and exchanges and
enhance mutual understanding.
On the Taiwan issue, the Italian government reaffirmed its firm
adherence to One China policy, and opposed to any steps aimed at
changing Taiwan's status and increasing tension across the Taiwan
Straits, and China expressed its appreciation for such a stand,
said the joint declaration.
The communique said both economies are highly complementary and
have great development potentials, which can bring benefits to both
sides.
"The two governments will strengthen the coordination, service
and other functions in such areas, within the framework of fully
respecting the World Trade Organization principles, and create more
favorable conditions for further development, with promoting the
two-way investment as its priority," said the joint communique.
The Chinese premier also visited Italy's major airspace company
Alespazio on Friday. Alenia Spazio is the major Italian space
company. Its capabilities and experience make it one of the leaders
in Europe and it has contributed to the construction of around 200
satellites.
The two countries hope to promote cooperation in the fields of
culture, science and technology, education, environment, tourism,
public health, jurisdiction and information.
The Chinese premier arrived in Rome Thursday for an official
visit as part of an 11-day European tour. Italy is the third leg of
his five-nation tour which has taken him to Germany, Belgium and
the European Union headquarters. He will visit Britain and
Ireland.
(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2004)