The Italian parliament looks forward to strengthening its relationship with its Chinese counterpart through better communications and more visits, the Senate speaker says.

Renato Schifani, addressing the Chinese press Monday during top legislator Wu Bangguo 's visit to Italy, said relations between the two parliaments are sound and will continue to improve.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, arrived in Milan on Monday to visit Italy at the behest of Schifani and Chamber of Deputies President Gianfranco Fini.

Wu was expected to meet Schifani on Wednesday to discuss bilateral economic relations and participate in parliamentary exchange activities.

Schifani said he and Wu also would sign an agreement to expand the number of high-level visits between their countries and to exchange information regarding legislative procedures and parliamentary activities.

The speaker, recalling the ties between Italy and China that date back to the Middle Ages, said their relations are based now on a partnership plan that focuses on key global issues such as the economy and international trade.

The last time when a key Chinese legislator came to the Italian Senate was in 1997, Schifani said. He predicted that there would be more frequent exchanges between the two countries' lawmakers.

"Officials' visits are very important for understanding the legislative procedures of other countries' parliament," he said.

The speaker, who said he hopes to tour Beijing soon, said he was eager to understand the legislative mechanisms of the Chinese parliamentary assembly and the ways in which democracy and public participation develop in China.

"It would be a great opportunity for me to discover more deeply a country that has been extraordinarily important in the past and will be even more important in the future," he said.

Schifani noted that 2010 will be the Chinese Culture Year in Italy, with numerous events planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

"It will be an opportunity for high level meetings in the political, industrial and economic spheres -- an important moment for great cultural exchanges and for outlining strategic economic decisions," the speaker said.

As China continues its expansive economic growth, Schifani said, it is interested in preserving world peace and stability.

"China is no threat to the West," he said. "Instead, it represents a precious economic, social and cultural legacy."

He pointed out that China was the first nation to start recovering from the economic downturn and may be able to help other countries bounce back.

"In the same way as the crisis originated from the US. banking system, China's signals of economic revival may push toward a global recovery," he said. "It's in everyone's interest to collaborate with China."

(Xinhua News Agency May 19, 2009)