A leader of the Communist Party of China (CPC) met with Pier Luigi Bersani, secretary of Italy's Democratic Party, on Tuesday, pledging closer ties between the two parties and countries.

He Guoqiang, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, spoke highly of China-Italy ties since the two countries established comprehensive and strategic partnership in 2004, saying the two sides should expand pragmatic cooperation and keep improving bilateral ties to a new level.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China-Italy diplomatic ties, and the "Culture Year of China" will be held in Italy, said He.

He also urged increasing exchanges between the CPC and the biggest opposition party of Italy.

Bersani attended the first-ever China-Europe High-Level Political Party Forum which opened on Monday.