During the past 34 years since diplomatic relations were established, Italy has become China's important trading, scientific and technological partner, said President Hu Jintao during a meeting with Italian President, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.

Hu expressed gratitude to the Italian leader for Italy's stance on sticking to the one-China policy and opposing "Taiwan independence" as well the positive attitude on lifting the EU's ban on weapons sales to China.

Hu proposed China and Italy continue their high-level exchanges and enhance bilateral political trust.

"The two sides can give full play to the Sino-Italian governmental commission to better arrange and co-ordinate bilateral exchanges and co-operation in various fields," Hu said.

Efforts should be made to push ahead the economic and trade co-operation to a new high, Hu said. China will provide support and aid to Italian enterprises that plan to invest in China, as well as encourage additional Chinese companies to create new businesses in Italy.

The sides should enlarge exchanges and co-operation in culture, education, science and technology, environmental protection and tourism, the Chinese president said.

The sides should also strengthen co-operation in fighting terrorism, encouraging non-proliferation, combating cross-national crime, and fostering sustainable development, Hu said.

Moreover, co-operative relations in Sino-EU and Asian-EU frameworks and in the United Nations will be pushed forward.

President Ciampi echoed Hu's suggestions on improving relations and said the two nations should advance their co-operation in political, economic, cultural and educational sectors.

He said China's development is an importance factor in maintaining stability and peace in the world.

A wide-ranging consensus was reached between the leaders and a series of agreements on culture, protection of historical heritage, sports, quarantine policy and other topics were inked after the meeting.

Both countries agreed to hold Italian Culture Year in China in 2006, according to a MOU signed by Cultural Minister Sun Jiazheng and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini Monday.

(China Daily December 7, 2004)