Beijing, October 12th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), met here today with Giuseppe Provenzano, Head of the Italian Democratic Party's Foreign Affairs Department.

Liu said, both China and Italy are ancient civilizations and have made important contributions to the development of world civilization. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership and the 700th anniversary of the death of Marco Polo. The Chinese side is willing to carry forward the friendly traditions with the Italian side, strengthen high-level exchanges and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. In the face of the many challenges facing the world today, the Chinese side is willing to work with the Italian side to promote the implementation of the three global initiatives. Attaching importance to its relations with Europe, the Chinese side supports the European integration process and strategic independence, and hopes that Italy will play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-Europe relations.

Liu said, the CPC attaches importance to the influence of the Democratic Party in Italy and Europe, and is willing to have close exchanges with the Democratic Party, carry out political dialogue, exchange in-depth views on the respective development, bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern, enhance mutual understanding, promote sub-national, people-to-people and cultural engagement, and youth exchanges and cooperation, and push forward bilateral relations.

Provenzano said, the current Italy-China relations are at a critical period, hoping that through this visit, he can better understand the history of the CPC, especially how China has achieved such remarkable development. The Democratic Party is willing to intensify its relationship with the CPC under the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership between Italy and China, carry out in-depth and candid dialogue, promote exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and youth, strengthen multilateral coordination and cooperation, jointly cope with challenges such as climate change and artificial intelligence, and push forward the development of Italy-China and Europe-China relations.

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