Overseas Chinese visit destroyer Guangzhou at the port of Taranto, Italy, August 2, 2010. Two Chinese naval warships destroyer Guangzhou and frigate Chaohu, which are part of the fifth Chinese naval escort flotilla, arrived at Taranto for a visit to Italy on Monday. [Jiang Shan/Xinhua]

The Chinese nationals attending the welcome ceremony were delighted.

"This is my first time on a Chinese naval warship," Guo Chao said excitedly. "I came all the way from Rome for this celebration and it fills me with joy."

Chen Zhiru, a Chinese resident of Taranto, explained that he was so happy because the Chinese ships symbolize his family, his home-country.

Chen Zhengxi, leader of the southern Italy Chinese association, said: "Today it's an important day for me, the arrival of the ships fills me with pride."

After the port ceremony, the Chinese navy leaders then visited the hosting Italian authorities: the mayor of Taranto Ippazio Stefano, the central government's representative Carmela Pagano and the Taranto province deputy president Emanuele Fisicaro, all of whom warmly greeted the Chinese guests and expressed their desire that the visit could pave the way for future contacts and cooperation.

Fisicaro, talking about the importance of Sino-Italian relations, said Taranto had been the first city in Italy to open its economic doors to Chinese businesses.

"Our town is a strategic entrance hub for Chinese products in Italy and we look forward to increasing Chinese integration and entrepreneurial activities in our area," said Fisicaro.

It's the second time Chinese naval warships made a port call in Italy. The first occurred in 2001 in the northern port of La Spezia.

The Chinese warships came to Taranto's naval base, Italy's largest and most strategic base, after its stop at Alexandria in Egypt. The two warships will leave Italy on Friday to continue their trip.

China's fifth naval escort flotilla with more than 800 officers and soldiers has successfully escorted 588 Chinese and foreign vessels in 41 batches since it arrived in the pirate-infested waters in early March this year.