Beijing, April 26th—Zhao Shitong, Assistant-minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today on the morning with a delegation of Italian members of the Chamber of Deputies and friendly personages led by Nicolas Stumpo, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy from the Democratic Party.  

Zhao said, both China and Italy are ancient civilizations and the two peoples enjoy a profound friendship. The CPC maintains friendly exchanges with all major political parties in Italy, including the Democratic Party. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Italian side to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, push forward the sustained and steady development of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership, jointly cope with global challenges and safeguard world peace and prosperity.  

The Italian side said that the relations between the two Parties and countries should be based on the present and oriented towards the future. In the face of the turbulent international situation, the Italian side is willing to work with the Chinese side to demonstrate the historical wisdom of an ancient civilization, make good use of the channels of inter-party exchanges, strengthen communication and dialogue, deepen cooperation in economy, trade, science, technology, people-to-people and cultural exchanges and cooperation at the local level, and jointly contribute to the building of a peaceful multi-polar world.