Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
China is willing to synergize development strategies with Italy to promote a balanced growth of trade and investment, Premier Li Keqiang said Thursday.
Li's remarks came as he met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Li called on both countries to make mid- and long-term development plans, enhance exchanges of innovation policies as well as cooperation on research and development.
He also suggested both countries explore cooperation in third markets and expand the number of overseas students and interns.
China hopes Italy can be an active role in ensuring the EU fulfills its obligations under the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), Li said.
Mattarella, who is on a state visit to China from Tuesday to Sunday, said Italy and China share a broad consensus and enjoy great potential for cooperation.
Italy is ready to work with China to enhance high-level exchanges, make new economic cooperation action plan and explore cooperation in areas of infrastructure construction, science and technology, environmental protection, innovation and increase bilateral trade and investment.
He said he hopes the bilateral ties can reach a new level around 2020 when Italy and China will celebrate 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Italy is willing to play an active role in EU-China relations, he added.
During the talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Mattarella on Wednesday, the two agreed to develop China-Italy ties from a strategic and long-term perspective and advance the relationship to a higher level.
The two also witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in culture, science, education, health, trade and innovation.
Also on Thursday, top Chinese legislator Zhang Dejiang met with Mattarella.
Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the top priority for both countries' legislative bodies is to implement the consensus reached by the two presidents.
Mattarella said Italy supports cooperation between the two legislative bodies and would like to actively participate in the Belt and Road development.
