Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Beijing Friday with Cicu Salvatore, vice-minister of defense of Italy.

Cao, also vice-chairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission and a state councilor, said peoples of the two countries had a long history of friendship despite their geographical distance.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties, relations between China and Italy had progressed smoothly. Sharing same or similar views on many important international issues, the two sides had carried out wide-ranging cooperation.

China attached importance to Italy's role in European and international affairs, and was willing to further the bilateral cooperation in all fields, Cao said.

He said China commended and appreciated Italy's firm stand on the "one-China" policy.

Cicu said Italy hoped to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship with China.
 
(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2003)