Before Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping kicked of an official visit to Italy, where he will attend the 150th anniversary celebration of Italian unification, Ding Wei, Chinese ambassador to Italy, said in an interview with People's Daily that Italy attaches great importance to Xi's visit and has made elaborate and thoughtful preparations. Italy is looking forward to the visit in hopes that it will increase the mutual understanding between the two leaders, strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and further enhance the traditionally friendly China-Italian relations.

Ding said that China-Italian ties are at a very crucial stage. Xi's visit fully demonstrates China's friendliness and respect for Italy and will promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

When talking about the ongoing Chinese Culture Year in Italy, Ding said that cultural exchanges are a crucial part of China-Italy ties. The Chinese Culture Year, featuring various creative events, has produced sensational effects and enjoyed a rousing reception in Italy. Ding said that the culture year has yielded highly desirable results. It has helped Italians learn more about China's past and present as well as its economy and culture, which is extremely important to the sound development of the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries.

Ding said that China-Italy relations have been developing well in various aspects for more than 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. First, the two countries have trusted, respected and coordinated with each other, played positive roles in bilateral and multilateral affairs and held similar stances on issues, such as coping with the international financial crisis and reforming the global governance system.

Second, the two countries have achieved smooth development of economic relations and have continued to expand the fields of cooperation. China's 12th Five-Year Plan has provided the economic and trade cooperation between China and Italy with new opportunities in sectors such as high technology, environment protection technology and green economy. Third, China and Italy have also cooperated well in the realm of culture, which covers education and technology. The cooperation has brought the two countries pragmatic benefits. China is fully confident that it will further the cooperation with Italy in these aspects.

Ding Wei added: "The outlook for the future development of the China-Italy relations is bright and relations of mutual trust and cooperation will further improve. The mutually beneficial, cooperative and complementary economic ties will continue to advance. In terms of culture, China and Italy both have a long history of civilization, value the diversification of the world culture and deeply understand the importance of their own culture."

Ding finally emphasized, "While the Chinese people of all ethnic groups are joyfully preparing for the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Communist Party of China, Xi's upcoming visit to Italy and participation in the ceremony for the 150th anniversary of Italy's unification with attendance of more than 80 leaders from various countries will surly serve unique roles in stepping up the exchanges between China and Italy and between China and other countries."