Li Keqiang, China's Premier, said that China is willing to synergize development strategies with Italy to promote a balanced growth of trade and investment. His remarks came after meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Li called on both countries to synergize mid and long-term development plans. Besides this, he also encouraged and enhanced exchanges of innovation policies as well as the cooperation on research and development.
He also suggested that both Italy and China should expand the number of overseas students and interns, exploring cooperation in third markets.
"China is hoping that Italy plays an active role in ensuring that the EU fulfills its obligations under the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization," Li stated.
Sergio Mattarella is on a state visit to China last week. He shared that Italy and China share a broad consensus, and enjoy a great potential for cooperation.
Italy is ready to work with China for enhancing high-level exchanges, making new economic cooperation action plan, and exploring cooperation in different areas such as science and technology, innovation, infrastructure construction and environmental protection.
Mattarella said: "I hope 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."
Mattarella and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to develop China-Italy ties from a long-term strategic perspective, advancing its relationship to a higher level.
The two also signed cooperation documents in innovation, trade, culture, health, science and education.
Zhang Dejiang, top Chinese legislator and chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's congress, also met with Mattarrela. He said that the top priority for both countries' legislative bodies is the implementation of the consensus reached by the two presidents.
"Italy supports cooperation between the two legislative bodies and would like to actively participate in the Belt and Road development," Mattarella added.