Chinese Defense Minister Chi Haotian met here Thursday with Salvatore Cicu, deputy minister of defense of Italy, and Di Paola, general-secretary of defense of Italy, and the delegations they lead.
Chi, also vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission and state councilor, said Italy is an important European country, and developing military relations between China and Italy conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and benefits world peace and stability.
He briefed the guests on China's achievements in its reform, and its defense policy and army building.
Salvatore said that the military relations between Italy and China have developed steadily, and through the visit, they have known more about China, especially China's reform and opening-up drive.
(Xinhua News Agency 09/20/2001)
