Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji met in Jinan Wednesday with a delegation from the Italy-China Association for Economic and Cultural Exchanges, led by Giulio Andreotti, honorary chairman of the association and former Italian Prime Minister.

Extending a welcome to the Italian guests, Zhu spoke highly of the Sino-Italian friendship.

Zhu said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Italy.

Bilateral cooperation has been expanded in various areas and the friendship between the peoples of the two countries has been strengthened, Zhu noted, stressing that the overall relations between the two countries have been constantly developing.

The Chinese premier emphasized that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Italy.

Zhu said that he appreciates the contribution of the association in promoting the understanding and friendship between the two peoples and in pushing forward the cooperation and exchanges in economic and cultural areas between the two countries.

He thanked Andreotti for his active efforts to promote the development of relations between China and Italy.

Zhu said that he hopes the visit by the delegation will deepen the mutual understanding and further the economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

Andreotti noted that members of the delegation are glad to see the great achievements made by China in its economic development during the visit.

He said that he hopes greater progress will be made in economic and cultural exchanges between his country and China in the new century.

(Xinhua 11/15/2000)