Jia urges China, Italy to strengthen communication

Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin said Wednesday that China is willing to promote bilateral communication and cooperation with Italy.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the pledge during a meeting with Gianfranco Fini, president of the lower house of Italian Parliament.

Jia said the Chinese government attaches great importance to the development of friendly relationship with Italy, and devotes itself to deepening practical cooperation with Italy in all fields.

Under the current circumstances, it is of great significance to strengthen the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, he added.

Jia made some suggestions on developing the Sino-Italian relations:

First, the two countries should continue to promote high-level exchanges and political mutual trust. He hoped Italy can understand and support China on issues of its core concerns.

Second, China and Italy should promote mutual benefits and practical cooperation.

The two sides should encourage their enterprises to tap potential and search for new areas and ways of cooperation.

Third, the two countries should boost cultural cooperation and exchanges.

They should take full advantage of their rich cultural resources, further expand exchagnes in artistic performances and exhibitions, and strengthen their exchanges and cooperation in such fields as film and video program production, journalism and communication.

For his part, Fini said that although having different national conditions, both China and Italy have a civilization dating back to a long time ago, which may help the two sides bridge differences and strengthen cooperation.

He said Italy and China have maintained a full range of cooperation in recent years, which has made fruitful achievements.

Overseas Chinese in Italy have made great contribution to stepping up mutual understanding between the two countries, as well as to Italy's economic and social development, he added.

Fini said Italy is willing to further stengthen bilateral cooperation with China in all fields.