China has an important role to play in the world and its development has provided opportunities for Italy and other nations, said visiting Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi in Beijing Monday.

 

Prodi made the remarks when meeting with Wang Jiarui, head of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

 

Wang thanked Prodi for choosing China as the first country he visited outside the European Union (EU) since becoming prime minister in May.

 

Wang said the CPC is willing to deepen exchanges with all major political parties of Italy and enhance mutual understanding to make new contributions to the development of relations.

 

Wang congratulated Prodi on the success of his visit.

 

Prodi is here for a six-day official visit at the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao.

 

Prodi said he was satisfied with the achievements of his visit and he had exchanged ideas on bilateral relations before he assumed the office.

 

He said he would devote himself to promoting friendship between the two countries, and make efforts to further develop EU-China relations.

 

Beijing is the last leg of Prodi's China tour which has taken in Nanjing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. During his stay in Beijing, he also met President Hu Jintao and held talks with Premier Wen Jiabao on Monday.

 

(Xinhua News Agency September 19, 2006)