Beijing, July 23rd—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with a delegation from the Parliamentary Association "Friends of China" of Italy led by its President Vinicio Peluffo.  

Liu said, the members of the Parliamentary Association "Friends of China" of Italy come from different political parties and are committed to developing friendship with China, which the Chinese side highly appreciates. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Italy. Italy is an important cooperative partner of China. The Chinese side is willing to work together with the Italian side, guided by the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, to strengthen high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance exchanges and dialogue among civilizations. The CPC is willing to make joint efforts with the Parliamentary Association "Friends of China" of Italy and Italian political parties to strengthen dialogue and communication, enhance political mutual trust, promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, intensify multilateral coordination, and promote the stable development of China-Italy and China-Europe relations.  

Liu noted, at present, the development trend of China's long-term economic growth remains unchanged. Last week, the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was successfully held. The plenary session focused on further comprehensively deepening reform and promoting Chinese modernization. It clearly declared to the world that China is firmly committed to the path of peaceful development, reform and opening up. China will share development opportunities with other countries in the world in a more open manner to achieve mutual benefit and win-win results.  

Peluffo said, Italy and China are both countries with ancient civilizations, and the friendship between the two countries has a long history. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Italy and China and the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo, which is of great significance to both sides. Attaching great importance to developing its relations with China, the Italian side is willing to intensify high-level exchanges with the Chinese side, strengthen dialogue in such fields as inter-party exchanges, deepen economic and trade cooperation, enrich people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the continuous development of Italy-China friendship. As an EU member state, Italy is willing to play an active role in promoting the development of EU-China relations and better respond to global challenges.  

Ma Hui, Assistant-minister of the IDCPC, was present.