ZHENJIANG, March 25 -- Vice-minister Guo Yezhou of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee met today with delegates from the Italian Parliament Association “Friends of China” led by Chair Vinicio Peluffo in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. They exchanged ideas on China-Italy relations and the 2015 "Friends on the Silk Road" China-Italy Dialogue which was to be convened the next day.

Guo said that in 2014 the Chinese premier and Italian prime minister successfully visited each other’s country and the bilateral relations were further strengthened. This year marks the 45th and the 40th anniversaries of China-Italy and China-EU diplomatic ties respectively, and there is great potential of cooperation for China with Italy and the EU. Amicable to China, “Friends of China” is an important association in the Italian Parliament which has spared no effort in promoting Italy-China relations. China hopes to accelerate communication and exchanges with Italy through "Friends on the Silk Road" China-Italy Dialogue and jointly explore new cooperation opportunities.  

Peluffo briefed Guo on the development of his association in recent years and shared his vision of China-Italy cooperation. He said that “Friends of China”, being an important and the largest pro-China association in the Italian Parliament, has been devoted to the enhancement of friendship between the two countries. The association has rallied many young politicians and kept absorbing new members. The theme of the Dialogue this year --- “Energy and Sustainable Development”--- will inspire solutions to environmental problems and help to improve the quality of development.

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